"The Rancher fire’s rapid reduction from 1,000 to 503 acres and swift containment within 16 days demonstrates effective resource deployment and favorable weather conditions, highlighting the importance of early detection and coordinated response in wildfire management."
The Rancher wildfire, located 2 miles east of Evergreen in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, was first discovered on August 12, 2026. The fire began as a natural event and is managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Initial reports indicated a 1,000‑acre blaze with no containment; by August 13 the area had shrunk to 698 acres and containment rose to 60%, eventually reaching 100% on August 28. Throughout the timeline, personnel fluctuated from 19 to 27, with the highest commitment of 27 on August 13, and the estimated cost climbed from $20,000 to $250,000 as the fire was fought and contained.
Official source description: 2 Miles E from Evergreen, SD
Minimal
The fire is currently minimal and fully contained; general wildfire safety precautions remain advised for the surrounding area.
IRWIN ID: {38C5C8BC-0931-4C94-AF79-6F56B6F91026}
Discovered: Aug 12, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: BIA
Est. Cost to Date: $250,000
Coordinates: 43.3196, -102.3367
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in SD.
The Rancher Fire has burned 504 acres as of September 1, 2026.
Yes, the Rancher Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Rancher Fire is burning in Oglala Lakota, SD.
No, the Rancher Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
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