Because of the extremely dry conditions, the Stanley County Commission has passed a resolution (2026-09) initiating a countywide burn ban.
The ban went into effect yesterday morning (March 26, 2026, at 8am) and remains in effect until the Stanley County Commission lifts the ban once conditions improve.
Emergency Manager Dustin Baxter says the current risk of grass or wildfire in the county is elevated because of lack of winter moisture and plentiful vegetation that could serve a fuel for fires. He says the Fort Pierre Fire Chief, the Four Corners Fire Chief and the Stanley County Sheriff all support this open burn ban.
Baxter says surrounding counties are facing similar conditions and resources are stretched thin as agencies assist with large fires in western South Dakota and Nebraska. He says this burn ban is an important step to protect lives, property and emergency responders.
Baxter says with the current conditions and limited firefighting help, even a small fire could get out of control very quickly.
Under the open burn ban resolution, open burning includes, but is not limited to:
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campfires and warming fires
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prescribed burning of fields, right-of-ways or wild lands
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burning of trash or debris
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fireworks
The following are allowed UNLESS the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Stanley County, at which point these are also prohibited:
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burn barrels with a minimum 30-foot clear zone
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permanent fire pits or fire grates
Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves and fireplaces inside buildings are not affected by the ban.
Stanley County residents are urged to use caution, comply with the burn ban and remain aware of changing fire conditions. Violations of the burn ban may result in enforcement action.
For updates or additional information, Stanley County residents are encouraged to monitor the Stanley County website, Stanley County social media or contact Stanley County Emergency Management at 605-223-7792.
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