Qury Fire Expands to 9,000+ Acres; Firefighters Secure Key Lines Near Custer State Park

Several areas of forest and hillside are engulfed in smoke and flames as the Qury Fire expands over 9,000 acres. Firefighters work tirelessly to secure key lines near Custer State Park to contain the blaze.

Northeast Radio SD News – Custer, SD - Firefighters have successfully held containment lines across the Qury Fire perimeter despite an increase in mapped acreage. As of Tuesday evening, March 17, 2026, the wildfire is officially estimated at 9,059 acres. While the size has grown due to interior burning and more accurate mapping, containment remains steady at 27 percent.

The Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Todd Hoover, reported a productive day of operations. A total of 358 personnel are now assigned to the incident, focusing on securing the fire’s edge as a warming trend settles over the Black Hills.

Operations Update: Securing the Perimeter

Crews reported significant progress on the fire’s southern and eastern flanks. Containment has held firm on the lines south of Highway 16A near Stockade Lake. In these areas, firefighters have transitioned to “mop-up” operations and suppression repair—the process of cleaning up debris and restoring land disturbed by firefighting tactics.

High-priority work continued today near the Mount Coolidge Lookout within Custer State Park and in the rugged terrain north of Flynn Creek Road. Taking advantage of dry conditions, crews also worked to “clean up” green islands—pockets of unburned fuel located inside the fire’s perimeter—to prevent them from sparking and challenging established lines later in the week.

“So far, firefighters have been successful with their containment efforts,” officials stated in a Tuesday evening update.

Community Reopening and Resident Safety

In a major milestone for displaced residents, repopulation efforts have now been initiated across the entire fire area. However, access remains strictly limited to residential traffic. Residents returning to their homes must possess an Orange Card (RapidTag ID) issued by Custer County Emergency Management.

Authorities urge returning residents to exercise extreme caution. “Firefighters are still actively working on the ground,” the Incident Management Team warned. “Drive slowly and safely; expect to see smoke, heavy equipment, and engines working along the roadways.”

The following closures remain in effect:

·         Lower French Creek Road (Highway 16A to Highway 87)

·         Highway 87 (from 16A to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park)

·         Areas of Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, and Herbert Draw

·         Note: Wind Cave National Park remains open to the public.

Weather Outlook: Warming Trend Ahead

Tuesday saw a high of approximately 60 degrees with 30 percent relative humidity. Weather experts predict that Wednesday will be “breezy, warmer, and drier,” with humidity levels expected to drop further. This warming trend is projected to persist through the end of the week, potentially increasing fire activity in uncontained areas.

Aviation and Public Information

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains active over the fire’s footprint. Officials reiterated the “If you fly, we can’t” policy, noting that any unauthorized drone or private aircraft activity will immediately ground essential firefighting helicopters.

For the most up-to-date information on road closures and evacuation status, residents are encouraged to visit the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page or the Qury Fire 2026 Facebook page.

Quick Stats (As of Evening, March 17, 2026):

·         Size: 9,059 acres

·         Containment: 27%

·         Personnel: 358

·         Location: 2 miles southeast of Custer, SD

·         Cause: Under Investigation

·         Start Date: March 12, 2026