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 contin ued 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: [email protected]   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. ...read more read less