2025-Buffalo Fire (SDCRA)

Wildfire Status:

The 2025 Buffalo Fire, located approximately two miles northwest of Marksville, South Dakota, has been actively burning since it was reported on April 11, 2025. This fast-moving grassland fire has been challenging for firefighting crews due to shifting winds and dry conditions. As of now, the fire has reached a size of 611 acres and is 100% contained. Firefighters have focused on patrolling the perimeter and mopping up hot spots within 198 feet of the containment lines to prevent rekindling, especially given the ongoing drought conditions.

Fire response has involved multiple agencies, including the Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Wildland Fire Resources, which coordinated efforts with several local volunteer fire departments. Aviation resources, specifically a Single Engine Air Tanker, were deployed on April 16th to reinforce containment efforts and suppress any potential rekindles. The incident command has emphasized the importance of monitoring old fire sites and maintaining equipment to avoid sparks, which could reignite fires in these dry conditions.

The current weather forecast presents significant concerns, particularly with strong northwest winds expected to reach up to 30 mph, with gusts potentially hitting 45 mph. This combination of high wind speeds and dry vegetation contributes to a very high grassland fire danger, prompting ongoing vigilance and proactive measures from firefighting teams. The incident command is actively coordinating initial attack strategies to manage the fire risks effectively in the coming days.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Containment History:

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