79 Fire 2026

The 79 Fire has been declared 100% contained.
Fire size remains at 5,408 acres.
A combination of state and local resources will continue to check the fire footprint near Buffalo Gap, SD for several days ahead.

Good evening from the 79 Fire. Please see the link below for our evening fire update:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/sdsds-79-fire

79 Fire Morning Update for Monday April 13, 2026.

Interagency resources are beginning to gather for this morning’s 8 am Briefing at the Buffalo Gap Fire Hall.
Watch for today’s Morning Update with current numbers and information coming up around 9:15 am.

Good night from the 79 Fire near Buffalo Gap. It has been a day of hard work and solid progress.

79 Fire Evening Update for April 12, 2026
Containment: 60%
Fire size (more precise measurement): 5,408 acres.
Crews will remain on scene overnight while others will return in the morning.

The appearance of a dust devil near a fire suggests that the fire is generating significant heat and combustion, creating a vortex of hot air. This vortex can lift flames, ash, and debris, resulting in a dust devil. Such phenomena are frequently observed in hot, dry conditions, including during grass fires, as captured within the perimeter of the 79 Fire today.

Today’s main objective is to contain the fire within its current footprint, reducing the risk of it escaping or spreading. This process is known as "mopping up," and state, federal, and local resources are actively working to extinguish any hidden hot spots.

The terrain clearly shows how dry conditions are, as a Red Flag Warning is in effect for this area again today.