BLM South Dakota Enters Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

BELLE Fourche, S.D. — Due to rapidly increasing fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management South Dakota Field Office is implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning July 15, 2026. These restrictions apply to all BLM lands within the South Dakota Counties of Butte, Custer, Fall River, Haakon, Harding, Lawrence Meade, Pennington, Perkins, Stanley, and Ziebach.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions – From July 15, 2026, until rescinded:

• Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 
• The following acts are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Operating any internal combustion engine.
  • Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. 
    • A one-hour active foot patrol with appropriate fire tools, checking for and reporting fires, is required within and/or around the work site following cessation of all work as described above.
  • Using an explosive.
  • Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails, as defined in approved agency travel plan.

The BLM reminds the public to use caution to prevent wildfires when visiting public lands. Please be prepared with water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher during the dry summer months. In the event of a fire, call 911 immediately.

For any questions or concerns regarding this Fire Prevention Order, please contact BLM South Dakota Field Office at 605-892-7000