Black Hills Fire Grows to 7,200 Acres, Some Residents Allowed to Return

Overnight snow and cold temperatures slow firefighting efforts, but officials begin limited re-entry for some evacuated areas

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:56am

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The Qury Fire burning near Custer, South Dakota has grown to an estimated 7,200 acres with 2% containment. While no injuries have been reported, the fire has destroyed structures on around 10 properties. Officials have begun allowing limited re-entry for residents in certain areas, but many remain under evacuation orders. Firefighting efforts have been hampered by overnight snow and cold temperatures, but crews are working to secure property and infrastructure. Nearly 280 personnel are assigned to the fire, and a FEMA grant has been approved to help cover 75% of eligible firefighting costs.

Why it matters

The Qury Fire is a significant wildfire event in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, an area popular for outdoor recreation and tourism. The fire's growth and impact on local residents highlights the ongoing challenges of managing wildfires in the Western U.S., especially as climate change contributes to more severe and frequent blazes. The community meeting and limited re-entry efforts demonstrate officials' efforts to balance public safety with allowing residents to return to their homes.

The details

On Saturday, firefighters took advantage of improving weather to complete burnout operations in the northwest and southwest portions of the fire. Crews on the west side also completed burning operations and began mopping up. However, the fire remains 0% contained. Besides securing property, Saturday's focus includes continuing mop-up and firing operations as weather allows. Multiple aircraft, including the National Guard, will assist firefighting efforts in the afternoon. Officials have urged the public not to fly any unauthorized aircraft, including drones, over the fire as it will force aerial operations to cease.

  • The Qury Fire near Custer is now mapped at an estimated 7,200 acres with 2% containment.
  • Officials estimate the fire will be fully contained by Friday, March 30th.

The players

Custer County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that has been coordinating evacuations and re-entry efforts for residents affected by the Qury Fire.

South Dakota Wildland Fire

The state agency responsible for managing wildfire response and suppression efforts in South Dakota.

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency that has authorized a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help cover 75% of eligible firefighting costs for the Qury Fire.

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What they’re saying

“We have been in touch with all those people. We've made contact with them, we had some passionate citizens wanting to get back in their residence this morning, we just ask that everyone be patient with that process”

— Derrick Reifenrath, Lieutenant Sheriff, Custer County

What’s next

Officials are pushing to secure as much containment line as possible before a warming trend brings hot, dry, and windy conditions back to the region starting Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Qury Fire is a stark reminder of the growing threat of wildfires in the Western U.S. as climate change contributes to more severe and frequent blazes. The community's response, including limited re-entry efforts and firefighting support from state and federal agencies, highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting lives and property in the face of these natural disasters.