Open Burning Regulations – Pennington County

West of Highway 79
Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District

Fire Restrictions
All open fires are prohibited unless within a designated campground or picnic area.

Burn Permits Required

  • Private property open burning
  • Burn barrels
  • Incinerators
  • Fire pits

Permit Season
Permits are issued from November 1 to March 31 each year.

Apply for a Permit

Jurisdiction
Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District regulations apply.

East of Highway 79

Pennington County Ordinance #726 governs open burning in this area.

Applicability

  • Applies to all Pennington County except:
    • Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District
    • Incorporated municipalities
    • State and Federal lands

Open Burning is allowed under Ordinance #726.

Restrictions
The County Commission may restrict or ban open burning during high fire danger periods.
Restrictions may be based on the National Weather Service Grassland Fire Danger Index.

Penalties
Violations can result in:

  • Up to $500 fine
  • Up to 30 days in jail
  • Or both

General Note

  • Black Hills areas follow West of Highway 79 regulations
  • Rapid City and plains areas follow Ordinance #726
Not sure which rules apply?
Black Hills areas follow West of Highway 79 regulations. Rapid City and plains areas are regulated under Pennington County Ordinance #726.
 
 

Burn Regulation Summary Table- (East of Highway 79)

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Follow the Black Hills National Forest for updates:
Remember: Always contain and monitor your burn piles. Know the regulations. Get the proper permits. #KeepSDSafe
 
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