South Dakota Wildfire Map & Tracker
Track active wildfires across South Dakota in real time. WildFire-Ready maps active fires, perimeters, evacuation alerts, smoke and air quality, and fire bans, drawn from National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service, InciWeb, and NASA FIRMS, updated continuously.
What causes wildfires in South Dakota
South Dakota wildfires include both grassland fires on the open plains and forest fires in the Black Hills, driven by lightning and human activity. The cured prairie grasses of the east and the ponderosa pine forests of the Black Hills present very different fuels and fire behavior. Strong winds, low humidity, and drought can spread fast grass fires, while dry timber in the Black Hills can carry larger forest fires.
South Dakota fire season
South Dakota sees grassland fires across its plains and forest fires in the Black Hills, with risk highest during hot, dry, windy stretches. Both lightning and human activity start fires here.
South Dakota fire activity can occur across much of the year. Grass fires on the plains often peak in dry, windy spring and fall conditions, while Black Hills forest fires are more common in the hot, dry weeks of summer. Drought conditions strongly influence when the worst fires occur.
How to read the South Dakota map
Flame markers show active fires reported by official agencies, and tapping one shows its status and details. Fire perimeters and evacuation zones appear as local emergency management issues them across South Dakota, and you can add smoke and air-quality layers. Check for county burn restrictions before any outdoor burning.
We keep the South Dakota map current so you can check what is burning, watch a fire near you, and see evacuation alerts and air quality in one place. Coverage is part of WildFire-Ready across Western Canada and 18 western US states, serving more than 130 million people, with the deepest coverage in British Columbia and Alberta.
Data sources for South Dakota
Everything we show for South Dakota traces back to the agency that publishes it:
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- National Weather Service
- InciWeb
- NASA FIRMS
You can verify the state's fire picture directly at the official agency: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
South Dakota wildfire FAQ
Are there wildfires in South Dakota right now?
WildFire-Ready shows active wildfires across South Dakota in real time, drawn from official agencies. Open the live map to see currently active fires, their status, and where they are burning. Counts change throughout the day, so check the map for the latest picture and confirm critical details with the responsible agency.
Where can I see South Dakota evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders and alerts for South Dakota appear on the WildFire-Ready map and in the app as they are issued by the responsible emergency-management agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, and call 911 in an emergency. WildFire-Ready is a companion to 911, not a replacement.
Is the air quality safe in South Dakota?
Wildfire smoke can move air quality from good to hazardous quickly. WildFire-Ready surfaces air-quality readings on the map so you can check conditions near you. During smoke events, follow guidance from your local health authority.
Is there a fire ban in South Dakota?
Fire bans and restrictions for South Dakota are shown on the WildFire-Ready map when they are in effect. Restrictions can change with conditions, so verify the current rules with the official agency, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), before lighting any fire.
When is wildfire season in South Dakota?
South Dakota fire activity can occur across much of the year. Grass fires on the plains often peak in dry, windy spring and fall, while Black Hills forest fires are more common in the hot, dry weeks of summer.
What causes most wildfires in South Dakota?
Both lightning and human activity start South Dakota wildfires, with cured prairie grasses on the plains and ponderosa pine in the Black Hills carrying fire. Strong winds, low humidity, and drought spread fast grass fires and larger forest fires.
How do I sign up for South Dakota evacuation alerts?
Official evacuation alerts come from your county or local emergency-management agency, often through local sign-up systems and Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. We show evacuation information on the map as agencies issue it, but always register locally and follow official orders.
Where does WildFire-Ready get South Dakota fire data?
We draw South Dakota fire information from official state and federal sources, including NIFC, the National Weather Service, and the state wildland fire and emergency-management agency, plus NASA FIRMS satellite detections and air-quality data. You can verify the statewide picture directly at the official agency linked on this page.