update at 6:41pm from the SD Department of Safety:

Current Situation: Interagency fire resources worked vigorously today mopping up along the perimeter to successfully keep the fire within its current footprint. Containment is now 60% with the fire’s size more precisely measured at 5,408 acres. From the fire’s initial report Saturday at 11:04 am through early Saturday evening, the wind driven fire, primarily grass, raced just over 7 miles from its starting point just off Hwy 79 up to 144th Ave in E. Custer County. No structures have been lost in this fire.

Due to an extreme lack of moisture in vegetation and in the ground, there is potential for heat to remain beneath the surface. Tonight, resources will continue seeking and extinguishing any hidden hot spots to prevent the fire from escaping or expanding.

While air support played a key role in suppression efforts Saturday they were not needed today as the work was focused on groundwork done by hand and firefighting equipment.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the area now through Monday at 9 pm. MDT.

Public Closures: Road closures have been lifted in the area. However, the public is asked to avoid the area due to ongoing active fire suppression activity including personnel and equipment.

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Firefighters battling the 79 Fire south of Rapid City maintained their ground overnight, reporting no new growth as containment remains steady at 40 percent.

The fire, which has burned an estimated 6,000 acres, showed significantly less activity compared to its initial breakout. The blaze currently stretches approximately six miles from Highway 79 to 144th Avenue in eastern Custer County. Officials confirmed that no structures have been lost.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Rapid City area through 9 p.m. MDT today. Weather conditions remain critical, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 70s and relative humidity levels dropping. While breezes are expected to be moderate, gusts could reach between 30 and 35 mph.

“The objective today is to keep the fire in its current footprint,” fire officials stated in a morning update.
State, federal, and local resources are focusing on mop-up operations along the perimeter. Due to extreme drought conditions in the vegetation and soil, heat can remain trapped beneath the surface. Crews are working to locate and extinguish these underground hotspots to prevent the fire from reigniting or escaping established lines.

While all road closures have been lifted, authorities are asking the public to avoid the area to allow fire suppression equipment and personnel to move freely. There are currently no evacuation orders in place for residents.

A temporary Flight Restriction remains active over the fire perimeter. Fire managers reminded the public that unauthorized drone activity will ground aerial firefighting efforts, noting, “If you fly, we can’t.”
Updated information is being shared via the 79 Fire 2026 Facebook page as crews work to secure the landscape near Rapid City.