Custer County South Dakota Emergency Management

10/07/2026

!! UPDATE!!
Good Morning, due to changes in the weather forecast the USFS, Hell Canyon Ranger District has made the decision to cancel the Schenk RX prescribed fire for Thursday(10/08/26). Fire staff will continue to evaluate future windows for implementation in the following weeks.

10/06/2026

Update: The Schenk prescribed fire has been CANCELLED due to weather conditions falling outside the approved prescription. This deliberate decision was made because current conditions would prevent us from meeting our operational objectives. We will continue to monitor the forecast and will reschedule when conditions support safe and effective implementation.

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The Schenk prescribed fire is planned for Thursday, October 8, pending all required approvals. Operations will not commence unless conditions are favorable to implement this burn safely and effectively. The Schenk project is located roughly 5 miles southwest of Jewel Cave National Monument. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/newsroom/releases/prescribed-fire-notification

09/25/2026

BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST PRESS RELEASE
!! NOTICE OF CHANGES FOR BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST
FIRE RESTRICTIONS!! !!PLEASE READ ALL!!
Black Hills National Forest Issues Immediate Fire Restrictions Changes
(Custer, SD, Sept. 24, 2026) National Forest Service lands in the State of South Dakota will return to Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Thu. Sept. 24. 2026 at noon. National Forest Service lands in the State of Wyoming on the Bearlodge and Hell Canyon Ranger Districts of the Black Hills National Forest will remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, campfires are allowed if they are in permanent fire rings in developed campgrounds or recreation areas.
Specifically, under Stage 1 fire restrictions:
• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire is prohibited (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
o A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites, campgrounds and picnic areas;
o A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
o A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
• Using an explosive is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame is prohibited, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum of 8 oz. capacity and ratings of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
Officials consider several criteria when determining the need for fire restrictions, including current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability, and consistency with neighboring jurisdictions.
In coordination with local counties, the Wyoming lands of the Bearlodge and Hell Canyon Ranger Districts will remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions. Under stage 2 fire restrictions, no campfires or charcoal are allowed anywhere on the Wyoming portion of the Black Hills, including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
Specifically under Stage 2 fire restrictions the following is prohibited:
• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.
• Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building.
• Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• Using an explosive.
• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off NFS roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle.
For fire restriction updates, conditions and recreation information, visit the official BKNF website, or follow us on Facebook .

09/18/2026

CUSTER COUNTY COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE
COUNTY BURN BAN RESCINDED
September 18, 2026
The Custer County Commission Chair has authorized rescinding the Countywide Burn Ban at 8:00 AM on September 19, 2026.
The US Forest Service Stage 2 restrictions are still currently in place.
Despite the lifting of the burn ban, all existing South Dakota Wildland Fire regulations remain fully in effect. This includes restrictions governing the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District and provisions outlined in County Ordinance 20. Residents are reminded that burn permits for slash/burn piles have been invalid for some time and will not be reinstated until at least November.
The Commission emphasizes that it retains the authority to reinstate a countywide burn ban at any time should conditions deteriorate, particularly upon recommendation from fire officials and partner agencies.
Finally, the public is reminded that individuals who start fires are legally responsible for any resulting damage. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to educate themselves and strictly adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and safety precautions before engaging in any activity that could ignite a fire.
The Commission appreciates the community’s continued cooperation and commitment to wildfire prevention. Protecting our forests, property, and neighbors is a shared responsibility.

09/09/2026

COUNTYWIDE BURN BAN UPDATE

09/08/2026

Elevated to near critical fire weather conditions will persist throughout the week. We could see critical fire weather conditions develop on Thursday and Friday as the northerly winds will increase to 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity values will remain below 20 percent.

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

📣 September is National Preparedness Month!

When you hear the word "evacuation", wildfire may be the first thing that comes to mind. But evacuations can happen for many reasons.

🌊 Flash flooding
☣️ Hazardous materials incidents
🚨 Public safety emergencies
⚡ Infrastructure emergencies
🔥 Wildfires
…and other hazards can all create situations where you may need to leave an area for your safety.

The situations may be different, but the need to be prepared is the same.

That's why Ready, Set, Go! isn't just about wildfire. No matter the hazard, make sure you are READY, to Get SET, to GO Now!

08/14/2026

!!UPDATE ON CUSTER COUNTY SD BURN BAN!!
The Custer County Burn Ban has not been rescinded at this time!
It seems that an unknown little bird has started the rumor that the county has rescinded the Countywide Burn Ban.
We Have Not!
We will only rescind the Burn Ban after consulting with fire agencies and departments to ensure the best decision is made in the intrest of public safety.
When the ban is rescinded, it will be posted on the Custer County website, through local news media and on Official Custer County Social Media Accounts.

08/12/2026

Heads up, everyone!
Scattered thunderstorms are developing and moving eastward into the Black Hills/western South Dakota. These storms will grow and bring a threat of large to very large hail and severe wind gusts