Containment grows on 8,000-acre Qury fire near Custer
Photo by Amy Menerey/NLJ Lack of precipitation this winter has made conditions favorable to forest fires throughout the Black Hills region. The Qury Fire, southeast of Custer, along with other fires in the area, has caused smoke-filled skies — which, although they create beautifully orange sunsets, threaten homes and property as well as imposing health risks. This image was taken entering Hell Canyon between Custer and Newcastle on Friday.
Story Update: On March 17 the Black Hills National Forest rescinded the Qury Emergency Area Closure Order No. BKF-186-2026.
"The rescinded order included National Forest Service lands located west from the intersection of US Highway 385 and US Highway16A to the boundary of Custer State Park, and South from the intersection of US 385 and US Highway16A to the boundary of Wind Cave National Park," the release says.
Original Story: An emergency closure order was issued Tuesday for the Qury Fire burning two miles southeast of Custer, South Dakota, restricting access to portions of the Black Hills National Forest from March 17 through April 16. Officials said the closure is necessary to protect public and firefighter safety, with limited exemptions in place for residents, permit holders and emergency personnel.
Despite the closure, firefighters continue to gain ground on the Qury fire burning southeast of Custer, with containment increasing as crews work ahead of expected critical fire weather conditions, according to a March 17 at 9:05 a.m. update.
At that time the fire had grown to approximately 8,434 acres and was 27% contained. About 350 personnel are assigned to the incident under a Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Todd Hoover. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The wildfire started March 12 about 2 miles southeast of Custer. Initial reports estimated the fire at roughly 7,000 acres with no containment as firefighters focused on structure protection and establishing fire lines.
Since then, crews have continued to build and strengthen containment lines across the fire area.
Fire officials reported that additional containment was secured on the northern portion of the fire. On the eastern side, crews continued strengthening fire lines, while firefighters on the southeastern edge successfully conducted early firing operations to reinforce containment.
On the west side, crews made progress with mop-up operations. Interior fire activity produced additional smoke, which is expected to increase as firing operations continue.
Fire managers are preparing for near critical fire weather conditions beginning Tuesday, with warmer temperatures, stronger winds and lower humidity expected throughout the week.
“Crews have successfully utilized the ideal weather window for burnout operations to prepare for weather that will challenge the fire line,” officials said.
Firefighters plan to continue tying together fire lines on the southern portion of the fire as conditions allow.
Forecasts call for temperatures reaching around 60 degrees with winds near 25 mph, contributing to more active fire behavior in the coming days.
Public closures remain in place, including Lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Highway 87, Hazelrodt Road, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, Herbert Draw and Highway 87 from Highway 16A to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park. The park itself remains open.
Repopulation efforts have occurred across the entire fire area, but access is limited to residential traffic only. Residents must present an orange card issued by Custer County Emergency Management to enter.
Fire managers and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide updates on road closures and access.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire. Officials continue to warn against flying drones or unauthorized aircraft in the area.
“If you fly, we can’t,” fire officials said.
More information is available on the Qury Fire Facebook page, InciWeb, or by calling 605-673-8155.