Fire

The Black Hills National Forest Fire and Aviation program includes three zones (representing the four Ranger Districts of the Forest) with program oversight and leadership provided from the Supervisor’s Office located in Custer, SD. Response to Wildland fires occurs on the Black Hills National Forest 12 months of the year. The primary fire season runs from May through October.

In the last 30 years, the Black Hills NF (BKF) has averaged 92 wildfires per year that have burned 7,507 acres per year. Approximately 70% of fires are lightning caused with the remainder being human caused. Fire return interval ranges from 10-40+ years on the forest; more frequently on the south end of the forest.

The Black Hills National Forest is able to provide 12 Wildland Fire Engines, 1 10-person Initial Attack Crew, 1 20-person Hotshot Crew, one Boxelder Job Corp Handcrew, Black Hills Helitack crew with a Type 3 Helicopter and eight person staff, Rapid City Airtanker Base and Great Plains Dispatch that orchestrates all the orders for local, regional, and national wildland fires. 

Strong interagency relationships are a critical part of the overall fire management program. The forest is served by the Great Plains Interagency Dispatch Center, managed by an interagency Board of Directors with each state and federal agency having a representative.