STURGIS, S.D. – Fire crews have stopped the forward progress of a 456.7-acre wildfire near Bear Butte that drew a multi-agency emergency response and prompted travel warnings along Highway 79 outside Sturgis on Monday afternoon.

Initial reports from the Meade County Sheriff’s Office stated the blaze began near the Pappy Hoel Campground. However, emergency officials later corrected those reports, clarifying that the fire actually started closer to the Iron Horse Campground.

Emergency crews were first alerted shortly after 2 p.m. Monday when the fire was burning roughly a half-mile from Bear Butte Lake Road. By 2:14 p.m., the flames reached Bear Butte Road, prompting responders to alert units for possible structure protection. Officials officially designated the incident as the Bear Butte Fire at 2:21 p.m. while it remained at 0% containment.

Black Hills Fire took command of the scene at 2:26 p.m. and prepared for potential evacuations as winds pushed the fire to the northwest. Helicopters were dispatched to assist firefighters on the ground. Initial reports indicate the fire was human-caused.

By 2:59 p.m., crews successfully stopped the forward progress of the blaze. Helicopter teams shifted focus to mopping up hot spots across the burnt area. Officials updated the size estimate to 150 acres by 3:05 p.m., confirming the fire had burned onto state land as well as Bureau of Land Management property. A large Airtec water tanker that was initially dispatched was sent back as crews gained control.

The Meade County Sheriff’s Office urged travelers and residents to avoid the immediate area along Highway 79 to ensure emergency vehicles can operate safely.

“We are dealing with a significant grass fire on Hwy 79,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement during the initial response. “Multiple agencies are responding to the area. We are asking folks to avoid the area.”