South Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for South Dakota - June 12, 2026

Overview

South Dakota is experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by persistent dry conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and extremely low humidity. The preceding winter was one of the warmest and driest on record for the area, leading to low snowpack and early snowmelt. Extreme drought conditions are currently impacting several western counties. Combined with fully cured, dormant prairie grasses and high winds, this has created a critical environment for rapid wildfire spread across the state. The Grassland Fire Danger Index is currently reaching Very High to Extreme levels in several areas, and regional resources are heavily engaged.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, firefighters have been actively responding to new ignitions and managing critical fire weather. State and federal resources are heavily engaged in supporting a major, rapidly spreading incident just across the border in the Nebraska Panhandle that is threatening South Dakota border communities.

Key Fires:

• Nebraska Panhandle Border Fire: Burning just south of the state line near Hot Springs, SD, this rapidly growing fire has burned nearly 16,000 acres and is heavily impacting the border region. The fire is fueled by dry prairie grass, timber, and dense underbrush. The terrain is extremely rugged, and high winds are compounding the challenge. The U.S. Forest Service has deployed four additional fire crews, five engines, and air support to battle the blaze and protect values at risk in South Dakota border towns.
• Qury Fire: Located in Custer County, this fire has burned 9,168 acres and is currently 100% contained. Fueled by heavy timber and dry grasses, the fire previously caused evacuations in Custer and affected approximately 10 properties. Crews continue to monitor the perimeter and patrol for any internal hotspots.
• A Frame Fire: A newly detected ignition located in Todd County. Firefighters are actively monitoring the situation. Currently, the fire is small (estimated at 0-1 acres), but resources are on standby due to the critical fire weather conditions.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
Due to the critical fire weather and Red Flag conditions, open burning is highly discouraged, and strict local burn bans are in effect across multiple counties prohibiting open flames, burn barrels, and agricultural burning. South Dakota Wildland Fire continues to emphasize the Hazardous Fuels Mitigation Cost-Share Program. When not on active fire assignments, state handcrews are working to establish fuel breaks in critical areas within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) of the Black Hills to reduce future wildfire risks to homes and improve firefighter safety.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect for much of the southwest region, covering Custer, Fall River, and Oglala Lakota counties. Gusty winds combined with extremely low relative humidity (dropping to around 20%) are supporting rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior.
Forecasted Weather: The Grassland Fire Danger Index remains Very High to Extreme, meaning any new fires will spread rapidly and show erratic behavior. However, a cold front is expected to move into the region over the next 24 to 48 hours. This front will bring cooler conditions, higher humidity (around 45%), and lighter winds, which should provide much-needed relief to firefighting operations.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire, including open flames, dragging trailer chains, and parking vehicles on dry grass. Homeowners in the WUI should take immediate action to clear dead brush and create survivable defensible space around their properties. If smoke from the border fires impacts your area, limit time outdoors to reduce respiratory irritation.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging, windy conditions. Additional federal resources, including air support and handcrews, have been allocated to the southern border to prevent the Nebraska fire from advancing into South Dakota.

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: sd.gov/wildlandfire
National Weather Service (Grassland Fire Danger): www.weather.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.