"This fire is notable due to its rapid containment and the significant decrease in personnel, indicating effective firefighting efforts."
The Bear Butte wildfire is located in Meade County, South Dakota, approximately 2 miles east of Sturgis. The fire, caused by human activity, has burned 457 acres and is currently 100% contained. The fire behavior has transitioned from extreme to minimal and smoldering, with a significant decrease in personnel from 126 to 5. The estimated cost of the fire has increased from $100,000 to $150,000. The fire was discovered on August 10, 2026, and has been actively burning.
Official source description: 2 Miles E from Sturgis, SD
Minimal; Smoldering
Given the current minimal and smoldering fire behavior, general wildfire safety guidance applies, and residents should remain vigilant and follow any local instructions.
IRWIN ID: {FCF0AE8C-59FD-4737-AAB6-B2D390367F8B}
Discovered: Aug 10, 2026
Cause: Human
Est. Cost to Date: $150,000
Coordinates: 44.4358, -103.4286
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in SD.
The Bear Butte Fire has burned 457 acres as of August 13, 2026.
Yes, the Bear Butte Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Human.
The Bear Butte Fire is burning in Meade, SD.
No, the Bear Butte Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
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