March 13, 2026:
Qury Fire Size: Estimated ~7,000 acres
Location: 1–2 miles southeast of Custer, SD
Personnel: Federal, State, and Local
Containment: 0%
Start Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Firefighters continued prioritizing structure protection and other values at risk Friday (March 13, 2026). Successful burning operations were conducted on the northwest corner as crews continue to work toward establishing containment. The fire was most active on the southwest portion.
Weather conditions are causing smoke to remain in the area tonight and are expected to continue as firefighters work towards establishing containment around the fire. Conditions are expected to change Saturday as temperatures drop below freezing overnight. Precipitation is expected Saturday with a higher relative humidity.
An infrared flight over the fire is expected Saturday, providing more accurate acreage and areas burned. The fire is currently estimated at 7,000 acres with 0% containment declared. Federal, state, and local resources will continue working overnight in a unified effort to suppress the fire.
The team was supported by National Guard air operations Friday. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire area. The public is asked to please avoid the fire area so firefighters and air operations can continue working on fire suppression. Many roads remain closed, and evacuation orders are still in place. For the latest information on property, road closings, and evacuations please call the Custer County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at (605) 673-8155.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/quryfire2026
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/sdbkf-qury-fire
March 12, 2026:
A Type 3 Incident Management Team is now in place for the Qury Fire, which is located approximately 1–2 miles southeast of Custer, SD. The incident began as two separate fires on Thursday afternoon (March 12, 2026) and are now known jointly as the Qury Fire. Fire behavior moderated overnight with reduced winds. Friday morning, fire behavior is being minimized by less wind, cooler weather, and a higher relative humidity. The fire is estimated at 5,000 acres with no containment currently declared. Federal, state, and local resources will continue working together today in a unified effort to suppress the fire.
Todd Hoover, Incident Commander, set out two primary objectives to begin the day; prioritizing structure protection and working on obtaining containment around the fire perimeter. Crews are utilizing heavy equipment such as bulldozers and utilizing roads as natural fire breaks.
The team will be supported by National Guard air operations today. “We need non-emergency personnel to stay away from the fire area,” Hoover says. “The public is asked to avoid the fire area which is very busy with firefighters and equipment.” Please continue to avoid the area to allow firefighters to continue working on fire suppression.
Many area roads remain closed, and evacuation orders are still in place. For the latest information on property, road closings, and evacuations please call the Custer County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at (605) 673-8155.
Find updates on the Qury Fire Facebook page, www.facebook.com/quryfire2026.
March 12, 2026:
Multiple wildfires began burning Thursday (March 12, 2026) in the Custer County area, prompting road closures and evacuations as firefighters work to contain the rapidly moving fires.
Emergency crews from several agencies are responding to the fires, which are being driven by strong winds and dry conditions. These conditions can cause fires to spread quickly and change direction with little warning.
Authorities urge residents and travelers to avoid the fire areas so firefighters and emergency personnel can safely perform their duties.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol says there are multiple road closures in the affected area, and additional closures may occur as conditions change.
Residents in and around the fire areas should monitor local news and official alerts for evacuation notices, road closure information, and other emergency instructions.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in emergency areas, watch for responders and equipment on roadways, and never drive around barricades or closures.
Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
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