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5d ago

Qury Fire Grows to 8,420 Acres Near Custer as Crews Hold 22% Containment

Residents with Orange Cards may return on limited roads during phased repopulation.

The Qury Fire burns near Custer in South Dakota’s Black Hills in an image shared on March 14, 2026. (Courtesy of Qury Fire information page/Facebook)

Overview

  • Personnel assigned increased to about 415, with scarce regional aircraft continuing to limit infrared mapping flights.
  • Containment was secured on the northwest flank and mop-up is underway, with structure protection continuing around threatened areas.
  • In Custer State Park, steep, rocky terrain restricts heavy equipment, so crews are building handlines and using roads and natural features.
  • On the south side, firefighters are strengthening Herbert Draw Road for planned firing operations, with more smoke expected and a warmer, windier pattern forecast this week.
  • Access for residents is restricted to those with county-issued Orange Cards as road closures and a flight restriction remain; officials report roughly 10 properties damaged and no injuries as of Saturday night, and FEMA approved a 75% firefighting cost share.