CUSTER, SD – As of Wednesday, March 18th Firefighters have increased containment to 27 percent on the Qury Fire, a 9,059-acre wildfire burning two miles southeast of Custer, as weather conditions allowed crews to strengthen lines near critical landmarks. The fire was first reported Thursday, March 12th.
The Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Todd Hoover, reported Wednesday that approximately 350 personnel are currently assigned to the incident. While the cause remains under investigation, officials noted that containment lines south of Highway 16A near Stockade Lake have held steady.
Crews have transitioned into mop-up operations to strengthen existing lines. Incident commanders noted that interior pockets of unburned fuel will continue to burn, which helps create a safer black edge by removing potential fuels near the perimeter.
Firefighters are also beginning the process of rehabilitating dozer lines that were constructed during the initial suppression efforts.“Taking advantage of the drier weather, crews are working to clean up some of the green islands that are located on the inside of the fire perimeter,” the management team stated in an update.
The U.S. Forest Service issued a statement Wednesday announcing that it would rescind the Qury Emergency Area Closure Order No. BKF-186-2026. This order previously included National Forest Service lands located west from the intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and U.S. Highway 16A to the boundary of Custer State Park, and south from the same intersection to the boundary of Wind Cave National Park.
“We recognize that the closure caused some confusion,” the U.S. Forest Service stated. “We are currently evaluating both the need for the closure and its size, and we will continue working closely with our partners to inform future decisions.”
Despite the rescinded order, authorities are urging the public to steer clear of the fire area for public and firefighter safety. Officials warned that public presence in or near fire zones may significantly endanger firefighters, forcing them to split focus between battling the blaze and managing civilian safety.
As residents begin to return to the area, fire officials urged caution. Repopulation efforts are underway across the fire footprint, but access is strictly limited to residential traffic. Those returning must possess an Orange Card issued by Custer County Emergency Management.
“Drive slowly and safely; expect to see smoke, heavy equipment, engines, and other firefighting vehicles working along and on the roadways,” officials advised.
Several public closures remain in effect to ensure the safety of the 358 personnel on the ground. Affected routes include Lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Highway 87, as well as Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, and Herbert Draw. Highway 87 is closed from 16A to the northern boundary of Wind Cave National Park, though the park itself remains open.
A red flag warning was issued Wednesday for counties in Southwestern South Dakota by the National Weather Service, in addition to a very high grassland danger.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is currently in place over the fire perimeter. Fire managers reminded the public that unauthorized drone or aircraft activity will ground firefighting flight operations, stating, “If you fly, we can’t.”
Residents seeking the most current information on road closures and re-entry requirements are directed to the Custer County Sheriff’s official communications.
