News Release

Prescribed Burns Planned at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Ranger Peelee

News Release Date: March 23, 2026

Contact: Peelee Clark, 701-623-4466

Theodore Roosevelt fire crews are planning to conduct prescribed burning operations in the South and North Unit, March 30 through the middle of June.

Prescribed fires help clear invasive vegetation and promote native prairie restoration. Burns can help prevent the spread of currently burning coal seam fires, reduce fuels, and create a fuel break that helps slow or stop a fire.

Prescribed fires are carefully conducted under identified and approved prescription conditions. 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 set of conditions cannot be met on a specific day, the planned fire is postponed.  

If conditions allow, 7 prescribed burns are planned - two in the North Unit (4,258 acres) and five in the South Unit (2,228 acres), totaling 6,486 acres.

As prescribed fire operations are implemented, some visitor impacts are anticipated. Temporary closures are expected to ensure visitor and firefighter safety during operations. The public will be advised of specific area closures by web alerts and posting signs in appropriate areas. Visitors are encouraged to check the website daily to ensure roads, trails and access areas are open to the public.

For more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park visit www.nps.gov/thro

Update 4/10/2026
Theodore Roosevelt is planning on conducting prescribed burns in the South Unit of the park on Friday April 10, and Saturday, April 11.

Rim, Upper and Lower Paddock and Talkington Trails are closed to the public during the burns.

Friday, April 10, a prescribed burn is planned in the Southwest corner of the south unit of the park.

Saturday, April 11, a prescribed burn is planned near the Haliday Well.

During this time, significant smoke may be present in the vicinity of the burn areas. Please use caution when driving along Interstate 94, traveling on National Park roads or in the vicinity. Smoke may also be visible in the days following ignition and firefighters will remain on scene monitoring the burn for as long as needed.

On Saturday, smoke will also be present near East River Road, Cottonwood Campground, Peaceful Valley Ranch, and the portion of the Scenic Loop located between the burn units will be impacted with smoke during the burns. NPS Law Enforcement will coordinate traffic control along East River Road and the campground and ranch will still be accessible to the public. The Scenic Loop will be closed to the public between Scoria Point Overlook and the intersection of the Scenic Loop Road with East River Road while the burns are conducted.