7:20PM PM UPDATE:
Firefighters from across the northern Black Hills are battling the rapidly spreading Lookout Fire north of Spearfish after the wildfire ignited Monday afternoon in the Lookout Mountain area. The blaze prompted immediate evacuation orders for several nearby neighborhoods as fire crews worked to protect homes and slow the fire’s advance.
The fire was reported shortly after 3 p.m. Monday near the 3500 block of Cactus Place, east of U.S. Highway 85 and near Kerwin Road. Initial reports estimated the wildfire at approximately 300 acres, although fire officials cautioned that acreage figures could change as crews gain a better assessment of conditions on the ground.
As flames advanced through the Lookout Mountain area, Lawrence County Emergency Management issued an emergency evacuation order for residents living along Lookout Mountain, Kerwin Road, Lookout Vista Road and surrounding areas. Emergency alerts urged residents to leave immediately and remain away from the area until authorities determine conditions are safe. cautionary evacuation for homes southeast of the fire ARE IN EFFECT Residents are not being forced to leave at this time, but the sheriff has restricted access to the area, meaning those who leave cannot return for now.
Multiple firefighting agencies responded to the incident, supported by aerial firefighting resources. Aircraft were seen making suppression drops while ground crews worked to establish containment lines and defend structures in the path of the fire. Residents throughout the Spearfish area reported seeing a large column of smoke rising above Lookout Mountain as firefighting operations intensified during the afternoon and evening hours.
According to fire-tracking services, the Lookout Fire remain active Monday evening with no containment percentage immediately available. Officials also had not reported any injuries or structure losses as crews continued suppression efforts. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Weather conditions in the area have been warm, dry and breezy, factors that can contribute to rapid fire growth. Forecasts indicate cooler overnight temperatures and somewhat lighter winds, which could aid firefighting efforts. However, authorities stressed that conditions can change quickly and urged the public to stay clear of the incident area to allow emergency personnel access to roads and fire lines.
The wildfire is burning in a heavily forested area overlooking Spearfish, where rugged terrain and dense vegetation can present challenges for suppression operations. Fire managers are expected to continue assessing the fire overnight and provide updated acreage, containment figures and evacuation information as it becomes available.
Current Information
- Fire Name: Lookout Fire
- Location: Lookout Mountain area north of Spearfish
- Time Reported: Shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7
- Estimated Size: Approximately 300 acres
- Containment: Not yet reported
Evacuation Areas: Lookout Mountain, Kerwin Road, Lookout Vista Road and surrounding neighborhoods. cautionary evacuation for homes southeast of the fire ARE IN EFFECT Residents are not being forced to leave at this time, but the sheriff has restricted access to the area, meaning those who leave cannot return for now.
- Resources Assigned: Ground crews and firefighting aircraft
- Cause: Under investigation
Officials are encouraging residents to monitor Lawrence County Emergency Management and local public safety agencies for the latest updates as the situation continues to develop.
ORIGINAL STORY:
SPEARFISH, S.D. (Sept. 7, 2026) — Firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the rapidly spreading Lookout Fire burning in the Lookout Mountain area north of Spearfish, prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents as crews work to protect homes and contain the blaze.
The wildfire was reported shortly after 3 p.m. Monday in the area of the 3500 block of Cactus Place, near Kerwin Road and east of U.S. Highway 85. Initial reports from fire-monitoring services estimated the fire at approximately 40 acres, with witnesses describing the fire as moving quickly toward the south and southeast through timber and grass fuels.
As fire activity intensified, Lawrence County Emergency Management issued an emergency evacuation order for residents in the immediate area of Lookout Mountain, Kerwin Road, Lookout Vista Road, and surrounding neighborhoods. Officials urged residents to leave immediately and remain alert for additional instructions as conditions continue to change.
Aircraft were observed making suppression drops over the fire Monday afternoon while ground crews established fire lines and worked to slow the fire’s advance. Emergency managers cited concerns about the fire’s rapid rate of spread and the presence of homes in and around the threatened area.
The fire is burning in the forested Lookout Mountain area overlooking Spearfish, a region that has experienced elevated fire danger during recent dry and windy conditions. As of late Monday afternoon, officials had not released information regarding the cause of the fire, containment levels, or any reported structure losses.
Residents throughout the Spearfish area could see a large smoke column rising above Lookout Mountain as firefighting operations continued into the evening. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel unrestricted access to roads needed for evacuation and fire suppression efforts.
Additional updates are expected from Lawrence County Emergency Management, the Spearfish Fire Department, and cooperating wildland firefighting agencies as crews assess fire growth and containment progress.
Current Known Facts
- Fire name: Lookout Fire
- Location: Lookout Mountain area north of Spearfish
- Reported: Shortly after 3 p.m., Sept. 7
- Estimated size: Approximately 40 acres (initial report)
- Evacuations: Lookout Mountain, Kerwin Road, Lookout Vista Road and surrounding areas
- Resources on scene: Ground crews and firefighting aircraft
- Cause: Under investigation
This is a developing story and information may change as officials release updated acreage, containment figures, and evacuation information.
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