PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden on Tuesday signed Executive Order 2026-10, expanding state assistance for wildfire response and extending drought relief measures for South Dakota farmers and ranchers.
The order authorizes South Dakota Wildland Fire resources to assist rural fire departments statewide, including areas outside the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, helping local crews respond more quickly to wildfires during ongoing drought conditions.
According to the governor’s office, more than 90% of South Dakota is experiencing abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions.
The executive order also extends provisions of Executive Order 2026-08, allowing expanded hay hauling through Nov. 15, 2026. The measure permits hay transport up to two hours before sunrise and two hours after sunset to improve access to livestock feed. Free permits remain available for oversized hay loads up to 12 feet wide.
Rhoden noted the state has already deployed emergency resources this year for the 79 Fire in April and the Bear Butte Fire in August. The new order allows similar state assistance to be activated more quickly in future emergencies.
The South Dakota Drought Task Force endorsed the wildfire and hay-hauling provisions during a meeting Tuesday, citing continued drought impacts on producers and heightened fire risk across the state.
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