South Dakota Fires

## Daily Wildfire Report for South Dakota - July 28, 2025

### Overview
South Dakota is currently experiencing low to moderate wildfire activity. The primary drivers for recent fire starts have been lightning strikes, with several smaller fires reported and quickly controlled or contained. The state's wildfire outlook suggests a continuation of these conditions, with potential for new starts due to summer weather patterns and thunderstorms.

### Current Situation
**Fire Activity:** Over the past 72 hours, South Dakota has seen a number of small wildfire incidents, predominantly caused by lightning. These fires have generally been small in acreage, with most being 6 acres or less, and have been successfully managed by federal, state, and local agencies. The Surveyor Fire near the Tepee Work Center, which burned approximately 5.95 acres, is reported as controlled. Other minor fires, including the Kyle Lane, Windmill 2, Sihiller Branch, Brown Canyon, Dutchman, and Red Plum Fires, are all under control or containment.

**Key Fires:**
Currently, there are no significant large fires actively burning in South Dakota that require extensive national support. The incidents reported are being managed effectively at the local and state level.

**Fuels:** Information on specific fuel types driving current fires is not detailed in the provided reports, but generally, South Dakota's landscape includes grasslands and some timber in areas like the Black Hills, which can contribute to fire spread.

### Prescribed Burns and Land Management
There are no current reports of widespread prescribed burns or statewide burn bans in effect for South Dakota. However, local municipalities like Brookings have procedures for controlled burns, requiring notification to the local fire department. The Southeast Dakota Prescribed Burn Association (SEDPBA) works to promote the safe use of prescribed burning to manage grasslands.

### Weather and Wind Warnings
**Current Weather:** South Dakota is experiencing a range of weather conditions. While some areas have seen scattered thunderstorms and humidity, contributing to firefighting efforts, other regions are facing hot and dry conditions.

**Forecasted Weather:** A **Red Flag Warning** is in effect for a significant portion of southern South Dakota, including areas like Sturgis, Rapid City, Hot Springs, Pine Ridge, Wall, Mission, and Winner. This warning is due to critical fire weather conditions, characterized by dry fuels, strong gusty winds, and dry air. Residents in these affected areas are urged to exercise extreme caution to prevent any outdoor ignition sources. The forecast indicates a strong drying trend with warmer and drier conditions anticipated, potentially increasing fire behavior and the risk of new ignitions.

### Outlook
The outlook for South Dakota suggests a continued cautious approach to wildfire management. While current activity is low, the combination of expected warm temperatures and potential for dry thunderstorms, especially in western South Dakota, indicates a persistent risk for new fire starts. Fire managers are remaining vigilant and prepared for rapid response to any new incidents.

### Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
* **South Dakota Wildland Fire:** [wildlandfire.sd.gov](https://wildlandfire.sd.gov/) (Note: A direct URL for current fire information was not found, but this is the likely agency portal.)
* **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov](https://www.nifc.gov/)
* **National Weather Service - Rapid City:** [www.weather.gov/unr/](https://www.weather.gov/unr/) (for local fire weather information)

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.

CITATIONS