Badlands National Park Plans 5,000-Acre Prescribed Burn

Badlands National Park and the U.S. Wildlife Fire Service could begin the Big Buffalo Prescribed Burn as early as Oct. 30, 2026. The operation will cover about 5,000 acres in the northeastern part of the park’s North Unit, provided weather and conditions at the site are suitable.

What this means for your visit

Visitors may see smoke in and around the park while crews conduct the burn and after operations end. Smoke could reduce visibility and affect air quality. The release does not announce any road, trail or area closures.

The planned burn lies within an area bounded by State Highway 240, Big Foot Road and Old Northeast Road. Badlands landforms also create natural barriers around the site.

Anyone planning a visit during the burn should check current air-quality conditions before traveling, particularly if smoke is a concern. Fire managers will track conditions and manage the operation with the goal of limiting smoke effects on nearby communities.

Because ignition depends on weather and conditions at the burn site, the operation may not start Oct. 30. The release does not provide an end date or a daily schedule.

Background

The prescribed burn is intended to support healthy grasslands and decrease hazardous fuels, helping reduce wildfire risk in Badlands National Park.

Prescribed fire uses a planned, low-intensity burn under defined weather and fuel conditions. Fire managers determine when conditions allow the operation to proceed safely. Roads and natural landforms around the Big Buffalo burn area will provide containment features.

Before you go

Check current air-quality information before visiting while the burn is underway or smoke remains in the area. Be prepared for possible changes in visibility, especially near the northeastern North Unit and the roads bordering the planned burn area.

Source: National Park Service news release, October 29, 2026.