The 2026 South Dakota wildfires are a series of active wildfires currently ongoing in South Dakota.
Background
While "fire season" varies every year in South Dakota, most wildfires occur between February and April and June and August. However, there is an increasing fire danger year-round. Fire conditions can be exacerbated by drought, strong winds, and vegetation growth. Climate change is leading to increased temperatures, lower humidity levels, and drought conditions are happening more often. Additionally, warmer temperatures and less precipitation can result in less snowmelt, further contributing to bad wildfire conditions. The previous winter (2025-2026) was one of the warmest and driest on record in South Dakota, increasing the risk of wildfires.
List of wildfires
The following is a list of fires that burned more than , produced significant structural damage, or resulted in casualties. NameCounty AcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef.QuryCusterCaused evacuations for Custer. Approximately 10 properties were affected with structures being either damaged or destroyed.79CusterThomas RanchSullyTaber RecBon HommeBaumanJacksonFb 17ToddGuideOglala LakotaBurned north of Loneman.Potato CreekJackson, Oglala LakotaLightning-caused. Burned northwest of Potato Creek.XU HillOglala LakotaLightning-caused. Burning near Rockyford.
References