03/19/2026
As you have noticed by the number of larger wildland fires in the Black Hills over the last few weeks, we are experiencing conditions where fuels are very dry, temperatures are warm, and relative humidity levels are low. These conditions are the main drivers for extreme fire behavior. The Qury Fire in Custer and Coyote Flats Fire in Rockerville both had one major thing in common: active fire spreading rapidly through neighborhoods, acreages, and rural properties.
As dry conditions continue we want to urge residents to help firefighters by ensuring their homes are prepared as well as possible in the event of wildland fire in the area of their homes. Please take a look at these resources and do the work to protect your own property and make it faster and easier for firefighters to successfully defend your structures in the event of fire near your property.
Research shows taking simple, scientifically proven steps can help reduce the risk of your home and property becoming fuel for a wildfire. Here are some things you can do in the shorter term to help protect your property. Check out the whole Firewise Toolkit for more ways to protect your property (linked below).
• Clear — ignitable material such as needles and leaves from roof, gutters, eaves, porches and decks.
• Remove — ignitable features within 30 feet of all structures including firewood piles, portable propane tanks and dry and dead vegetation.
• Prune — low hanging branches (6-10 feet for taller trees, 1/3 of tree height for smaller trees); remove any tall grasses, vines and shrubs from under trees.
• Contact — neighbors and create a plan to address shared wildfire safety concerns together.
Check out this short video for more information on wildland fires and tips to protect you and your property in the event of fire near you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL_syp1ZScM
Firewise Resources:
https://www.nfpa.org/en/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa/firewise-usa-resources
