Qury Wildfire Grows To 8,400 Acres Near Custer

Blaze 22% contained as firefighters battle the flames

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:45pm

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A wildfire burning near Custer, South Dakota has grown to over 8,400 acres and damaged 10 structures in the area. About 290 firefighters have been sent to battle the Qury Wildfire, which is currently 22% contained. More than 100 people were evacuated to a shelter in Custer on Friday as the fire continues to spread.

Why it matters

Wildfires are an increasing threat in the western United States, with climate change contributing to hotter, drier conditions that allow fires to grow rapidly. This fire near the popular tourist town of Custer has forced evacuations and damaged property, highlighting the need for effective wildfire prevention and response efforts.

The details

The Qury Wildfire has already burned over 8,400 acres near Custer, South Dakota and is currently 22% contained. Firefighters from around the region have been dispatched to battle the blaze, with about 290 personnel on the scene. The fire has damaged 10 structures in the area so far, and more than 100 people were evacuated to a shelter in Custer on Friday as the fire continued to grow.

  • The Qury Wildfire began burning near Custer on March 14, 2026.
  • As of Sunday, March 16, 2026, the fire had burned over 8,400 acres and was 22% contained.

The players

Qury Wildfire

A large wildfire burning near the town of Custer, South Dakota since March 14, 2026.

Custer, South Dakota

A town in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota that has been impacted by the Qury Wildfire.

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What’s next

Firefighters will continue working to contain and extinguish the Qury Wildfire in the coming days and weeks. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the blaze.

The takeaway

This wildfire near Custer highlights the growing threat of climate change-fueled wildfires in the western United States, and the need for robust firefighting resources and evacuation plans to protect communities in fire-prone areas.