March 17, 2026, morning update:
Containment has held on the north and west side of the fire and crews are working on mop up and suppression repair.
High winds are expected late morning into the afternoon (March 17, 2026). The winds will limit firefighter’s ability to conduct firing operations and will test firelines. Crews will continue to work on strengthening fire lines
Weather: Northwest winds will pick up mid-morning and persists through the evening with gusts up to 55pmh. Max temperature today will be around 60 degrees, with a minimum relative humidity of 30%. This warming trend is expected to continue throughout the week with windy conditions and lower relative humidity.
Public Closures: Lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Highway 87, Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, Herbert Draw, Highway 87 from 16A to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park (the park remains open).
Residential reopenings: Repopulation efforts have happened across the entire fire. Access is for residential traffic only. Residents must have the Orange Card issued by the Custer County Emergency Management. Visit Custer County Sheriff for most up to date information on Road Closures https://www.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the perimeter of the Qury Fire. Please do not fly any unauthorized aircraft over the fire. If you fly, we can’t.
Fire Information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuryFire2026/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/sdbkf-qury-fire
Phone: 605-673-8155
Email: 2026.qury@firenet.gov
March 16, 2026, evening update:
Location: 2 miles southeast of Custer, SD
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: ~8,434 acres
Containment: 27%
Personnel: ~350
Current Situation: This afternoon (March 16, 2026), containment was added on the northern part of the fire. On the eastern side of the fire, crews continued to strengthen fire line. The interior of the fire had some activity which caused extra smoke. Firefighters on the southeastern side of the fire were successful in early firing operations and strengthening the fire line as intended. On the west side of the fire, crews were successful with mop up activities.
Near critical fire weather is expected to begin Tuesday with warmer temperatures and higher wind speeds. Crews have successfully utilized the ideal weather window for burnout operations to prepare for weather that will challenge the fire line. Tomorrow, crews will work to continue to tie together fireline on the south side of the fire as weather permits.
Weather: Smoke will increase in the area due to firing operations as firefighters work towards establishing containment. The warming trend will begin tomorrow with max temperature around 60 degrees, and winds around 25mph. Warm and windy conditions with lower relative humidity will progress throughout the week.
Public Closures: Lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Highway 87, Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, Herbert Draw, Highway 87 from 16A to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park (the park remains open).
Residential reopenings: Repopulation efforts have happened across the entire fire. Access is for residential traffic only. Residents must have the Orange Card issued by the Custer County Emergency Management. Visit Custer County Sheriff for most up to date information on Road Closures https://www.facebook.com/custercountysd.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the perimeter of the Qury Fire. Please do not fly any unauthorized aircraft over the fire. If you fly, we can’t.
Fire Information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuryFire2026/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/sdbkf-qury-fire
Phone: 605-673-8155
Email: 2026.qury@firenet.gov
Courtesy photo.
March 16, 2026, morning update:
Incident Commander: Todd Hoover
Location: 2 miles southeast of Custer, SD
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: ~8,420acres
Containment: 22%
Personnel: ~415
According to the Monday morning, March 16, 2026, update, Containment was reached in the northwest side of the fire and crews are working on mop up. On the east side of the fire, crews are continuing to clean up fire line within Custer State Park, utilizing natural features and handlines as available. On the south side of the fire, crews are continuing to strengthen the Herbert Draw Road as a containment line to begin firing operations. Public and firefighter safety remain the highest priority as structure protection continues.
As repopulation efforts begin, please understand that firefighters are still actively working on the ground. Drive slowly and safely; expect smoke and to see heavy equipment, engines, and other firefighting vehicles working along and on the roadways. While the Incident Management Team has recommended the return of residents to their homes, this is still a fluid environment, and we ask that you please work with firefighters for both your and their safety.
Weather: Smoke will increase in the area due to firing operations as firefighters work towards establishing containment. Max temperature today will be around 36 degrees, with winds 10-15mph. A warming trend is expected to move through the area beginning tomorrow with warm, windy conditions and lower relative humidity as the week progresses.
Public Closures: Lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Highway 87, Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, Herbert Draw, Highway 87 from 16A to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park (the park remains open).
Residential reopenings: Repopulation efforts have happened across the entire fire. Access is for residential traffic only. Residents must have the Orange Card issued by the Custer County Emergency Management. Visit Custer County Sheriff for most up to date information on Road Closures https://www.facebook.com/custercountysd
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the perimeter of the Qury Fire. Please do not fly any unauthorized aircraft over the fire. If you fly, we can’t.
Fire Information
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuryFire2026/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/sdbkf-qury-fire
Phone: 605-673-8155
Email: 2026.qury@firenet.gov
Qury Fire map as of the morning of March 16, 2026.
Map courtesy of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
March 15, 2026:
According to the Sunday evening, March 15, 2026, update, firefighters successfully gained some containment on the western and northern perimeter of the fire. Although precipitation slowed firing operations this morning, crews were able to successfully strengthen fire lines, further securing the perimeter and working around structures.
On the southern end of the fire, crews continued improving fire lines. Firefighters working in Custer State Park on the eastern side of the fire utilized handline, natural features, and roads to establish containment lines.
Due to the high level of fire activity in the geographical area, and a limited supply of interagency firefighting aircraft, we were unable to secure an infrared flight. This afternoon, a type 3 helicopter was able to conduct a flight around the perimeter. With the combination of the recon flight and boots on the ground, we were able to gain a more accurate map of the fire.
Weather: Smoke will remain in the area and is expected to continue as firefighters work towards establishing containment around the fire. Max temperature tomorrow will be around 36 degrees, with winds 10-15mph. A warming trend is expected to move through the area beginning Tuesday with warm, windy conditions and lower relative humidity as the week progresses.
Public Closures: Lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Highway 87, Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, Herbert Draw, Highway 87 from 16A to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park (the park remains open).
Residential reopenings: Repopulation efforts are currently taking place along Hazelrodt Road from the western access to residential traffic only. Residential traffic may now access Hazelrodt Road and its branch roads, and lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Whitetail Road.
Fire Managers and Custer County Sheriff’s Office will be reevaluating the reopening of roads daily for residents only. Visit Custer County Sheriff for most up to date information on Evacuations and Closures https://www.facebook.com/custercountysd
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the perimeter of the Qury Fire. Please do not fly any unauthorized aircraft over the fire. If you fly, we can’t.
Fire Information
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuryFire2026/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/sdbkf-qury-fire
Phone: 605-673-8155
Email: 2026.qury@firenet.gov
Courtesy photo.
March 14, 2026:
Saturday (March 14, 2026), firefighters completed burnout operations on the northern edge of the fire and continued mop up work to strengthen the fireline. Firefighters continued efforts to tie fireline into the eastern edge of the fire in Custer State Park. Burnout operations continued on the southern perimeter. Crews on the west side continued strengthening the fireline to tie into the southern portion of the fire. Securing property and infrastructure will continue around the perimeter and interior of the fire. Night operations will continue through the night supporting efforts made by crews during the day.
One National Guard aircraft will work Sunday as weather permits to aid in firefighting operations. An infrared flight is still on order to be completed for more accurate acreage and mapping as soon as aircraft becomes available. Aircraft are working with multiple incidents occurring throughout the Region as well as combating inclement weather.
Weather: Weather conditions are causing smoke to remain in the area and is expected to continue as firefighters work towards establishing containment around the fire. Precipitation is expected through the evening with a higher relative humidity.
Closures and Evacuations: Lower French Creek through CSP 87, Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, Herbert Draw, SD87, Wildlife Loop Road, Highway 87 to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park, the park remains open. Active firefighting efforts are still taking place. Repopulation efforts are currently taking place along Hazelrodt Road from the western access. A map will be provided in the morning. Visit Custer County Sheriff for most up to date information on Evacuations and Closures https://www.facebook.com/custercountysd
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the perimeter of the Qury Fire. Please do not fly any unauthorized aircraft over the fire. If you fly, we can’t.
Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Todd Hoover
Location: 2 miles southeast of Custer, SD
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: ~7,200 acres
Containment: 2%
Fire Information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuryFire2026/ Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/sdbkf-qury-Fire
Phone: 605-673-8155
Email: 2026.qury@firenet.gov
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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