TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE:
This morning’s briefing on The Qury Fire southeast of Custer, reports 27% containment and an estimated 8,434 acres burned. About 350 personnel are assigned to the incident.
Fire managers are bracing for windy conditions and temperatures climbing near 60 degrees ahead of a drying trend expected throughout the remainder of the week. Crews used the favorable conditions Monday to conduct burnout operations ahead of the incoming weather.
Today, crews plan to continue connecting fire line on the south side as conditions allow.
Several public closures remain in effect, including Lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Highway 87, as well as Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek and Herbert Draw. Highway 87 is closed from Highway 16A to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park, though the park itself remains open.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
MONDAY EVENING UPDATE:
Fire crews made progress Monday on the Qury Fire southeast of Custer, pushing containment to 27% as the blaze grew to an estimated 8,434 acres. About 350 personnel are assigned to the incident, which remains under investigation.
Officials with the Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team say crews strengthened fire lines on multiple fronts throughout the day. Containment increased along the north side, while firefighters on the east continued reinforcing lines as interior hotspots produced heavier smoke. On the southeast side, early firing operations went as planned, and crews on the west side reported solid progress in mopup.
Fire managers warn that near‑critical fire weather is expected today, with temperatures climbing toward 60 degrees, winds around 25 mph, and a warming, drying trend expected through the week. Crews used the favorable conditions Monday to conduct burnout operations ahead of the incoming weather.
Today, crews plan to continue connecting fire line on the south side as conditions allow.
Several public closures remain in effect, including Lower French Creek Road from Highway 16A to Highway 87, as well as Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek and Herbert Draw. Highway 87 is closed from Highway 16A to the north boundary of Wind Cave National Park, though the park itself remains open.
Repopulation efforts have occurred across the entire fire area. Only residents with an Orange Card issued by Custer County Emergency Management are allowed access. Updated road information is available on the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the fire area.
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