News Release
NPS Photo
News Release Date: October 29, 2026
Contact: mwr_communications@nps.gov
Interior, S.D. — Badlands National Park and the U.S. Wildlife Fire Service plan to conduct a prescribed burn in the northeast portion of the park’s North Unit. The burn, known as the Big Buffalo Prescribed Burn, is planned to begin as early as Oct. 30, 2026, depending on weather and site conditions.
The burn area covers approximately 5,000 acres and is bordered by Big Foot Road, Old Northeast Road, State Highway 240, and natural badlands formations that provide effective containment features.
Smoke may be visible from the park during and after the prescribed burn. Smoke can affect visibility and air quality. Fire managers will monitor conditions and conduct burn operations to minimize smoke impacts to local communities. Current air-quality information is available at AirNow.gov.
This prescribed burn is part of ongoing efforts to maintain healthy grasslands and reduce hazardous fuels within Badlands National Park.
Prescribed fire is a tool that is carefully planned and implemented by fire managers to safely apply low-intensity fire under specific weather and fuel conditions. For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/badl
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
Last updated: October 29, 2026