South Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for South Dakota - April 12, 2026

Overview

South Dakota is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to unseasonably warm temperatures, a warm winter with historically low snowpack in some areas, and dry, windy conditions across the plains. More than half of the state is currently under drought conditions, with some of the most extreme conditions located in Pennington County. This combination of factors has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state, prompting widespread critical fire weather alerts and county-level burn bans.
The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 4, indicating National resources are heavily committed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There is currently elevated wildland fire activity occurring in multiple geographic areas across the state. Over the last 72 hours, local volunteer firefighters and multiple agencies have responded to several rapidly growing fires. The potential for new significant wildfires to start in the next several days is above normal for this time of year due to cured vegetation and exceptionally dry fuels. Firefighters are working to contain active fires while utilizing air support and preparing for potential new starts.

Key Fires:

• Qury Fire: Located about 2 miles southeast of Custer in the Black Hills National Forest, this major fire has burned 9,168 acres and is currently 95% contained. The fire burned through grass and timber, prompting earlier evacuations and public land closures.
• 79 Fire (Buffalo Gap): Ignited on April 11, 2026, just three miles north of Buffalo Gap, east of Highway 79. Driven by high winds and fueled by dry, cured grass, the fire saw explosive growth, expanding from 500 acres to 4,500 acres in just two hours. Numerous resources, including two air tankers based out of Colorado Springs, have been brought in to assist with firefighting efforts.
• Cedar River Fire: This large grass fire began in Adams County, North Dakota, and crossed the state line into South Dakota near Lemmon on April 8. It has burned over 4,000 acres and is fueled by dry prairie grasses. Several buildings, including a hunting lodge, have reportedly been lost to the fire. As of the latest reports, fire crews have achieved 70% containment.
• Hill City Fire: A new fire broke out on April 10, four miles south of Hill City near Needles Highway. It has burned 15-20 acres in timber and brush. Multiple aircraft, including a helicopter, an air attack platform, and two single-engine tankers, are actively working the fire alongside federal, state, and local resources.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the critical fire weather conditions and Red Flag Warnings, authorities have postponed planned prescribed fires in the Black Hills National Forest, including an 880-acre burn in the Hell Canyon Ranger District. These operations, designed to maintain forest health and reduce hazardous fuels, will resume only when weather and vegetation conditions become favorable and safe.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Warm, dry, and breezy conditions are creating critical fire weather situations across western South Dakota. Relative humidity has dropped as low as 10 to 12 percent.
Forecasted Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for western South Dakota and the Central Black Hills until 9:00 PM MDT Sunday, April 12. Winds from the west are expected at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Evening showers may produce erratic wind gusts up to 50 mph. The combination of gusty winds and low humidity will create conditions conducive to rapid fire spread, and extreme fire behavior is possible.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to avoid all forms of outdoor burning while Red Flag Warnings are in effect. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, stay alert to local evacuation notices, and clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. When driving, slow down and turn on headlights if encountering smoke on the roadways.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions with multiple active incidents. Agencies are utilizing air support and coordinating with federal, state, and local resources to manage the current outbreaks and prepare for new ignitions.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
South Dakota Wildland Fire: wildlandfire.sd.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.