Custer County South Dakota Emergency Management

05/21/2026

Congratulations Steve!

05/07/2026

!Update on Hazerodt Cutoff Road! Culvert installation is completed and the road is open to through traffic.

05/04/2026

!Information!
The Custer County Highway Department is planning for a
culvert replacement on Hazelrodt Cut-Off at the Sydney Creek Crossing. On Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Hazelrodt Cut-Off Road will be closed approximately 2 tenths of a mile east of Sidney Park Road.
The existing culverts have reached the end of their life cycle and will be replaced with new culverts. Work should be completed by the end of the business day. Please find an alternate route to your destination. Sorry for the inconvenience. Custer County Highway Dept.

04/30/2026

CUSTER COUNTY COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE
COUNTY BURN BAN RESCINDED
April 29, 2026
At a special meeting held on April 29, 2026, the Custer County Commission voted to rescind the Countywide Burn Ban following careful review of current conditions and consultation with local and regional fire authorities.
Prior to the meeting, Custer County Emergency Management coordinated with fire departments across the county, as well as State Wildland Fire officials, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. Their collective input, combined with recent weather patterns, informed the Commission’s decision. Over the past week, the county has received more than 1.57 inches of moisture. While this rainfall does not resolve ongoing drought conditions, it represents a meaningful improvement. As spring progresses, continued green-up is expected to further reduce the risk of rapid fire spread.
Despite the lifting of the burn ban, all existing South Dakota Wildland Fire regulations remain fully in effect. This includes restrictions governing the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District and provisions outlined in County Ordinance 20. Residents are reminded that burn permits for slash/burn piles have been invalid for some time—expiring even before the typical March 31 deadline—and will not be reinstated until at least November. While many residents are eager to burn debris, these restrictions are necessary to protect public safety and natural resources.
The Commission emphasizes that it retains the authority to reinstate a countywide burn ban at any time should conditions deteriorate, particularly upon recommendation from fire officials and partner agencies.
Finally, the public is reminded that individuals who start fires are legally responsible for any resulting damages. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to educate themselves and strictly adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and safety precautions before engaging in any activity that could ignite a fire.
The Commission appreciates the community’s continued cooperation and commitment to wildfire prevention. Protecting our forests, property, and neighbors is a shared responsibility.

04/27/2026

Good afternoon.
With the recent precipitation, we are happy to share good news from the Custer County Highway Department.

04/24/2026

Good morning, for the next 2 weeks, we will have the French Creek Flood Mitigation StoryMap available to the public through the QR code or the link on this page.
The StoryMap has information on the potential flood mitigation projects for the Upper French Creek area.
If you are a resident of the area, we would like to get your input on these potential future projects. There is a community survey available on the storymap page.
Thanks, and enjoy the wonderful moisture that we received last night.

04/23/2026

UPDATE 9:30 am MDT: Interagency Resources continue initial attack on the Murphy Fire about 3 miles NW of Hermosa. Dozer line surrounds the perimeter but with gusty winds there is no containment.
This photo from Rockerville Fire Department was taken upon arriving at 12:30 am.
Acreage estimate remains 350.

04/23/2026

Things are looking much better this morning.

04/20/2026

Please be aware of the delays that are coming for the Hwy. 16A project

Beginning Tuesday April 21, 2026, an asphalt paving project is scheduled to begin on U.S. Highway 16A in Custer State Park over pipe and box culvert replacement areas that have been completed.

Traffic control will include the use of pilot cars for the first time and flaggers with longer traffic delays expected.

Additional work on the project includes replacement of multiple pipe culverts, guardrail installation, and a 600-foot realignment of Wildlife Loop Road within Custer State Park, using temporary traffic signals and flaggers.

Access is available to all Custer State Park amenities.

Featured Project Information:
Find additional information, construction timelines, and project maps on the SDDOT website at https://dot.sd.gov/custer-16A/.

For the latest on road and weather conditions, road closures, construction work zones, commercial vehicle restrictions, and traffic incidents, please visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.