Denver-Area Firefighters Deploy to Help Contain South Dakota Wildfire

Two crews from West Metro and North Metro fire departments head to the Qury Fire, which has burned 7,000 acres and remains 0% contained.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:21pm

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Two crews of firefighters from the Denver metro area left on Friday to assist with containment efforts on the large Qury Fire burning southeast of Custer, South Dakota. The wildfire has exhibited "extreme fire behavior" and remains at 0% containment after igniting two days ago and covering 7,000 acres so far. West Metro Fire Rescue and North Metro Fire Rescue have each deployed crews to help with firefighting operations.

Why it matters

Wildfires in the western United States have become increasingly common and severe in recent years due to factors like drought, high temperatures, and dry vegetation. The Denver metro area has its own history of destructive wildfires, so the decision to send experienced crews to assist in South Dakota reflects the regional and national system of mutual aid that helps communities respond to major fire events.

The details

The Qury Fire is burning roughly two miles from the city of Custer, South Dakota, prompting evacuations of surrounding areas. West Metro Fire Rescue said the fire has shown "extreme fire behavior" including running fires, tree torching, and spot fires igniting ahead of the main blaze. Strong winds on Saturday are expected to hinder containment efforts. The Denver-area firefighters deployed include a West Metro crew and a North Metro crew with a Type III Brush Engine, who will assist with firing and holding operations to help protect homes and strengthen control lines.

  • The Qury Fire began two days ago on March 12, 2026.
  • The Denver-area firefighters deployed on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • As of Saturday afternoon, March 15, 2026, the Qury Fire had burned 7,000 acres and remained 0% contained.

The players

West Metro Fire Rescue

A fire department serving the western suburbs of Denver, Colorado.

North Metro Fire Rescue

A fire department serving the northern suburbs of Denver, Colorado.

Qury Fire

A large wildfire burning southeast of Custer, South Dakota that has covered 7,000 acres and remains 0% contained.

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What they’re saying

“Wildland deployments like this are part of the nationwide system that sends help where it's needed most. They also give firefighters the opportunity to gain valuable experience on large, fast-moving fires- skills they bring back to protect communities here at home.”

— West Metro Fire Rescue (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

West Metro Fire Rescue and North Metro Fire Rescue will continue to assist with firefighting operations on the Qury Fire in South Dakota as long as their crews are needed. The fire's containment status and behavior will be closely monitored in the coming days.

The takeaway

The deployment of Denver-area firefighters to help contain the Qury Fire in South Dakota demonstrates the regional and national mutual aid system that allows communities to share resources and expertise in responding to major wildfires. This collaboration helps strengthen firefighting capabilities and resilience across the western United States.