PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Wildland Fire (SDWF) is urging residents to cease open burning immediately due to forecasted changes in weather this weekend. Landowners who have recently burned or currently burning piles are asked to use caution and ensure they are completely extinguished.

Warmer temperatures, dry air, and gusty winds at times are forecast for the Black Hills from now through Monday which may create elevated fire conditions increasing the risk for slash piles to ignite wildland fires. The unseasonal warmth melts the snowpack while wind can reignite recent burn piles if not completely out.

Burn permit holders are reminded to use the back of their hands to feel the ashes. If you can touch the ashes without feeling any heat you can consider the pile out. If a pile escapes and starts a wildland fire, burn permit holders can be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.

For more information about pile burning requirements and safety, visit Burn Permit Login (sd.gov).  To view a short video demonstrating how to totally extinguish your pile, visit https://youtu.be/M0JSesd-F1Y?si=BoWPD1tlnR8ecOcb.

SDWF is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.