Determine Which Burn Regulations Apply

Interactive Burn Regulation Map

Use RapidMap to determine whether your property is located east or west of Highway 79, which regulations apply, and whether additional state or federal restrictions may affect your location.

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Pennington County Burn Regulation Guide

This guide provides general information about outdoor burning regulations in Pennington County. The regulations that apply to your property depend on its location, current fire danger conditions, and the agency having jurisdiction.

Can I Burn Today?

Before conducting any outdoor burning, check the Grassland Fire Danger Index issued by the National Weather Service.

Fire Danger Map

https://www.weather.gov/unr/rfd

General Rule (East of Highway 79)

Fire Danger Burning Status
Low ✅ Burning Allowed
Moderate ✅ Burning Allowed – Use Caution
High ⚠️ Burning Allowed – Use Extreme Caution
Very High ❌ Burning Prohibited
Extreme ❌ Burning Prohibited

Under Pennington County Ordinance No. 726, outdoor burning is prohibited whenever the Grassland Fire Danger Index is Very High or Extreme.

Because weather conditions can change rapidly due to wind, temperature, and humidity, always verify the current fire danger before burning.

How to Check Today's Burn Status

  1. Visit the National Weather Service Grassland Fire Danger Map.
  2. Locate Pennington County.
  3. Identify today's Grassland Fire Danger Index.
  4. If the index is Very High or Extreme, outdoor burning is prohibited under Ordinance No. 726.
  5. If the index is Low, Moderate, or High, burning is generally permitted unless other restrictions apply.

What Type of Fire Are You Planning?

Different types of outdoor burning may be regulated differently.

Open Fire

Examples include:

  • Burn piles
  • Fire pits
  • Cinder block fire pits

Most heavily regulated. Subject to current fire danger conditions and applicable burn restrictions.

Burn Barrel

  • Subject to burn restrictions.
  • May not be used during prohibited burn periods.

Outdoor Fireplace

Examples include fireplaces equipped with a chimney and spark arrestor.

Generally less restricted but still subject to current fire restrictions.

Gas or Charcoal Grill

Generally permitted for cooking.

Additional restrictions may apply during emergency fire restrictions.

Where Do You Live?

Burn regulations differ depending on which side of Highway 79 your property is located.

East of Highway 79

Properties located east of Highway 79 are generally governed by Pennington County Ordinance No. 726.

  • Burning is prohibited whenever the Grassland Fire Danger Index is Very High or Extreme.
  • Always check the current fire danger before burning.

West of Highway 79

Properties west of Highway 79 are generally regulated by state and federal agencies, depending on land ownership and jurisdiction.

Requirements may vary based on:

  • Current fire danger
  • Burn permits
  • Temporary fire restrictions
  • Agency jurisdiction
  • Land ownership

Burn Permits (West of Highway 79)

Most open burning requires a burn permit issued through the South Dakota Wildland Fire Division.

Apply for a Burn Permit

https://wildlandfire.sd.gov/burnpermits/burnpermits.aspx

Learn more:

https://wildlandfire.sd.gov

Federal Fire Restrictions

If your property is located on or adjacent to federal land, additional fire restrictions may apply.

Black Hills National Forest Fire Restrictions

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/fire/prevention/fire-restrictions

Air Quality Regulations

Outdoor burning must also comply with South Dakota air quality regulations.

South Dakota Open Burning Information

https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/OpenBurning/default.aspx

Before You Burn

Before lighting any outdoor fire:

  • ✅ Check today's Grassland Fire Danger Index.
  • ✅ Determine whether your property is east or west of Highway 79.
  • ✅ Obtain any required burn permits.
  • ✅ Review all current local, state, and federal fire restrictions.
  • ✅ Keep water, a shovel, and hand tools readily available.
  • ✅ Never leave a fire unattended.
  • ✅ Completely extinguish the fire before leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my backyard fire pit?

Generally, yes. Fire pits are typically allowed when the Grassland Fire Danger Index is Low, Moderate, or High, unless additional fire restrictions are in effect.

Can I burn leaves, tree branches, or yard waste?

Generally, yes, provided burning is allowed under current fire danger conditions and any required permits have been obtained.

Do I need a burn permit?

If you live west of Highway 79, a South Dakota burn permit is typically required for open burning. Permit requirements vary depending on location, land ownership, and the type of fire.

Can I use my gas or charcoal grill?

Generally, yes. Cooking grills are usually permitted unless specifically prohibited by emergency fire restrictions.

Helpful Resources

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and summarizes publicly available information from Pennington County, the South Dakota Wildland Fire Division, the National Weather Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and other applicable agencies. It does not replace official laws, ordinances, emergency orders, or fire restriction notices. Before conducting outdoor burning, individuals are responsible for verifying current conditions and complying with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. This guide should not be interpreted as legal advice or as a substitute for official agency directives.