🔥 Current Fire Restrictions
Fire restriction stages may differ by jurisdiction.
🌲 USDA Forest Service Current Stage: Stage 2
🌾 Bureau of Land Management Current Stage: Stage 1
Download Combined Fire Restrictions (PDF)
Updated: July 22, 2026
Determine Which Burn Regulations Apply
Interactive Burn Regulation Map
Use RapidMap to determine whether your property is located east or west of Highway 79.
Pennington County Burn Regulation Guide
This guide provides general information about outdoor burning regulations in Pennington County. Burn regulations vary depending on your location and current fire danger conditions.
Can I Burn Today?
Before starting any outdoor fire, check the current 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)
- 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 when the Grassland Fire Danger Index is Very High or Extreme.
Fire conditions can change quickly due to wind, temperature, and humidity. Always verify the current fire danger before burning.
How to Check Today's Burn Status
- Visit the National Weather Service Fire Danger Map:
https://www.weather.gov/unr/rfd - Locate Pennington County on the map.
- Identify today's Grassland Fire Danger Index.
- If the rating is Very High or Extreme, do not burn.
- If the rating is Low, Moderate, or High, burning is generally allowed, but use caution and follow all applicable regulations.
What Type of Fire Are You Planning?
Different types of outdoor fires may be regulated differently.
Open Fire
Examples include burn piles, fire pits, and cinder block pits.
- Most heavily regulated.
- Subject to burn restrictions and weather conditions.
Burn Barrel
- Subject to burn restrictions.
- May not be used during prohibited burn periods.
Outdoor Fireplace
Examples include fireplaces with a chimney and spark arrestor.
- Generally less restricted.
- 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 depend on which side of Highway 79 you are located.
East of Highway 79
Residents east of Highway 79 are governed by Pennington County Ordinance No. 726.
Burning is prohibited whenever the Grassland Fire Danger Index is Very High or Extreme.
Always check the daily fire danger before burning.
West of Highway 79
Residents west of Highway 79 are generally regulated by state and federal agencies, depending on land ownership and jurisdiction.
Requirements may vary based on:
- Fire danger conditions
- Burn permits
- Temporary fire restrictions
- State or federal land management
Burn Permits (West of Highway 79)
Most open burning requires a burn permit issued by the State of South Dakota.
Apply for a Burn Permit:
https://wildlandfire.sd.gov/burnpermits/burnpermits.aspx
Learn more about the South Dakota Wildland Fire Division:
https://wildlandfire.sd.gov
Federal Fire Restrictions
If your property is located on or near federal land, additional 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
✔ Check today's Grassland Fire Danger Index.
✔ Determine whether your property is east or west of Highway 79.
✔ Obtain any required burn permits.
✔ Review any current local, state, or federal fire restrictions.
✔ Keep water and hand tools readily available.
✔ Never leave a fire unattended.
✔ Fully extinguish the fire before leaving the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my backyard fire pit?
Yes. Fire pits are generally allowed when the Grassland Fire Danger Index is Low, Moderate, or High, unless additional restrictions are in effect.
Can I burn leaves, tree branches, or yard waste?
Yes, provided burning is permitted 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 the type of fire and location.
Can I use my gas or charcoal grill?
Yes. Cooking grills are generally permitted unless emergency fire restrictions specifically prohibit their use.
Helpful Resources
National Weather Service Fire Danger Map
https://www.weather.gov/unr/rfd
South Dakota Burn Permit System
https://wildlandfire.sd.gov/burnpermits/burnpermits.aspx
South Dakota Wildland Fire Division
https://wildlandfire.sd.gov
Black Hills National Forest Fire Restrictions
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/fire/prevention/fire-restrictions
South Dakota Air Quality Open Burning
https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/OpenBurning/default.aspx
Rapid City Air Quality Control Zone
https://gis.rcgov.org/links/airqual.pdf
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes and summarizes publicly available information from Pennington County, the South Dakota Wildland Fire Division, the National Weather Service, and other applicable agencies. It is not a substitute for official laws, emergency orders, or fire restrictions. Residents are responsible for verifying current conditions and complying with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations before conducting any outdoor burning.
