Prescribed Burn Planned at Badlands National Park to Improve Habitat and Reduce Wildfire Risk

Badlands National Park and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service plan a prescribed burn of about 5,000 acres in the northeast part of the park's North Unit, starting as early as Oct. 30, 2026, if weather and site conditions allow.

The Big Buffalo burn area is bounded by Big Foot Road, Old Northeast Road, State Highway 240 and natural badlands formations.

Smoke may be visible from the park during and after the burn and can affect visibility and air quality; NPS points visitors to AirNow.gov for current air quality.

NPS says the burn is part of ongoing work to keep the grasslands healthy and reduce hazardous fuels.