News Release

Prescribed fire planned this week at Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park plans to burn 2500 acres of land east of park headquarters this week if weather conditions permit.

Kenn Perreault, NGP Fire Management

News Release Date: September 24, 2025

Contact: Eric Veach, 605-433-5248

INTERIOR, SD – Planning is underway to burn 2500 acres of land near Sheep Mt. Table this week. Timing for the prescribed fire will depend on preparedness levels, fuel moisture, weather forecasts, and resource availability, however the anticipated date is 9/25/2025.

“Prescribed fires help maintain a healthy mixed-grass prairie ecosystem,” said Park Superintendent Eric Veach. “They reduce fuel loads and the chances of a catastrophic wildfire along with keeping the balance between forest and prairie in check.”

The primary vegetation within the project area is short grass. Ignition will take place through the utilization of ground resources. Assisting with the prescribed fire will be U.S. Forest Service personnel.

During the day of the burn, smoke from the fire may be heavy at times along Highway 44 visible from the surrounding region. The Sheep Mt. Table Road will be closed intermittently for safety reasons. Unless there is significant precipitation, smoke might be seen in the area for several days following the burn.

Prescribed fires are carefully conducted under identified and approved prescription parameters. Factors such as humidity, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and short and long-range weather patterns are all considered in establishing the acceptable conditions for conducting a prescribed fire. If the prescribed parameters cannot be met on a specific day, the planned prescribed fire is postponed. 

 

 

 

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