"The Needles fire grew to over 6,000 acres in just two days, requiring a large deployment of 130 personnel and an estimated cost of $500,000, illustrating the rapid escalation potential of natural fires in the region."
The Needles wildfire, located in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, was first discovered on September 4, 2026, and is caused by natural factors under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The fire rapidly expanded from 960 acres to 6,017.81 acres by September 6, with extreme behavior and 30% containment, supported by 130 personnel. Over the following week, containment improved steadily—reaching 45% on September 7, 60% on September 8, 70% on September 9, and 90% on September 10—while personnel numbers decreased to 30 and fire behavior shifted to moderate and then minimal. By September 17, the fire was fully contained at 100% with only 14 personnel remaining on the scene.
Official source description: 2 Miles E from Evergreen Community, SD
Minimal
With the fire now fully contained and behavior minimal, general wildfire safety guidance applies; remain aware of local advisories and avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke or residual hazards.
IRWIN ID: {314675BC-6F21-45C8-AA0F-CC6BC86F744C}
Discovered: Sep 4, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: BIA
Est. Cost to Date: $500,000
Coordinates: 43.3042, -102.3111
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in SD.
The Needles Fire has burned 6,018 acres as of September 17, 2026.
Yes, the Needles Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Needles Fire is burning in Oglala Lakota, SD.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Needles Fire remains active.
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