Permits are needed to for the use of a recreational campfire or for the use of ceremonial fire on private land in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. This applies to both private residential settings and commerical and non-profit facilities.

What is the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District?

The Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District was formed by state law in 1941. It was created in part to protect the timber on areas subject to unusual fire dangers. A permit is needed for the use of campfires, burn barrels, and ceremonial fires in the District. This came into law after the 1959 Deadwood Fire which about burned down the city of Deadwood, and was started by the use of a burn barrel when the fire danger was very high for the day.

What area of South Dakota does the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District cover?

The area covered is identified in South Dakota Codified Law SDCL 34-35-15. Generally, this covers the portion of the Black Hills that is south and west of Interstate 90 from the Wyoming state line to exit 61 in Rapid City, west of US Hwy 16B to State Hwy 79 south of Rapid City. then Highway 79 is the east boundary of the district as it heads south to Cheyenne River Bridge south of Maverick Junction in Fall River County, then the Cheyenne River forms the south boundary of the district to the Wyoming/South Dakota state line. The legal description and a map may be found at this link.

Are incorporated towns and cities part of the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District?

No. Incorporated towns and municipalities within this area are not part of the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. These towns would include: Hot Springs, Pringle, Custer, Hermosa, Hill City, Keystone, Summerset,Piedmont, Sturgis, Whitewood, Spearfish, Deadwood, Central City and Lead. If you want to have a campfire in those towns or cities, you would need to contact the local city officials. Keep in mind most municipalities ban the use of campfires and burn barrels inside city limits.

Can I use my campfire permit US Forest Service Land on the Black Hills National Forest?

No. A temporary campfire permit or burn permit is only valid for use on private land within the district, with permission of the landowner. Campfires on Black Hills National Forest Service lands in South Dakota are only allowed in established campfire grates at designated picnic or campgrounds. Recreational campfires outside of those areas in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota need to be permitted by the District Ranger or authorized representative.

Can I go on-line to get a permit for a burn barrel or permanent fixed fire pit?

No, please contact the applicable district office staff to obtain those permits. 

•  Lawrence County - Lead District Office: FMO Cody Griffee 605-584-2300 or  AFMO Ray Black 605-584-2301
•  Meade & Pennington Counties - Rapid City District Office: FMO Tim Daly 605-394-2582, AFMO Casey Glines 605-394-2583, or Eng Capt Logan Scott 605-393-8109
•  Fall River County - Hot Springs District Office: FMO John Haskvitz 605-910-4420, AFMO Jeff Wiedow 605-910-4430, or Eng Capt Riley Stevens 605-910-4412
• Custer County - Custer District Office: FMO James Bachelor 605-910-4464, AFMO Quentin Cordell 605-910-4435, or Eng Capt Seth Stevens 605-910-4456

What are the requirements for an outdoor fire pit?

Here is a description of outdoor fire pit regulations and a diagram.

What are the requirements for a burn barrel?

Here is a description of burn barrel regulations and a diagram.

Detailed map of Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District





Please contact one of our district offices if you have any questions about the location of your proposed camp fire in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.

Contact information:

•  Lawrence County - Lead District Office: FMO Cody Griffee 605-584-2300 or  AFMO Ray Black 605-584-2301
•  Meade & Pennington Counties - Rapid City District Office: FMO Tim Daly 605-394-2582, AFMO Casey Glines 605-394-2583, or Eng Capt Logan Scott 605-393-8109
•  Fall River County - Hot Springs District Office: FMO John Haskvitz 605-910-4420, AFMO Jeff Wiedow 605-910-4430, or Eng Capt Riley Stevens 605-910-4412
• Custer County - Custer District Office: FMO James Bachelor 605-910-4464, AFMO Quentin Cordell 605-910-4435, or Eng Capt Seth Stevens 605-910-4456

A circle of loosely placed rocks is not a permitted campfire site! Check out the firepit regulations to secure your permit.

Burn barrels are permitted only for the use of burning paper or untreated wood products. Check out the burn barrel guidelines.

No. You can only have open fire in designated camp fire grates at U. S. Forest Service Campgrounds, picnic sites, or developed recreational areas. You will need to contact the local USFS District Ranger's Office for permission to use open fire anywhere else within the Black Hills National Forest system lands in South Dakota.

No. You do not need a permit for these cooking implements if they are used on a deck or concrete pad or driveway attached to a dwelling. However, if they are used out in a forested area away from a dwelling, you will need to obtain a permit.

Propane fired heaters used to heat irons do not need a permit if they are used in a corral, pasture or livestock facility setting.