SPEARFISH, S.D. (Sept. 7, 2026) — Firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the rapidly spreading Lookout Fire burning in the Lookout Mountain area north of Spearfish, prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents as crews work to protect homes and contain the blaze.
The wildfire was reported shortly after 3 p.m. Monday in the area of the 3500 block of Cactus Place, near Kerwin Road, east of U.S. Highway 85, and two miles northwest of Lookout Mountain. The latest report from fire-monitoring services estimated the fire at approximately 100 acres, with witnesses describing the fire as moving quickly toward the south and southeast through timber and grass fuels.
As fire activity intensified, Lawrence County Emergency Management issued an emergency evacuation order for residents in the immediate area of Lookout Mountain, Kerwin Road, Lookout Vista Road, and surrounding neighborhoods. Officials urged residents to leave immediately and remain alert for additional instructions as conditions continue to change.
Aircraft were observed making suppression drops over the fire Monday afternoon while ground crews established fire lines and worked to slow the fire’s advance. Emergency managers cited concerns about the fire’s rapid rate of spread and the presence of homes in and around the threatened area.
The fire is burning in the forested Lookout Mountain area overlooking Spearfish, a region that has experienced elevated fire danger during recent dry and windy conditions. As of late Monday afternoon, officials had not released information regarding the cause of the fire, containment levels, or any reported structure losses.
However, there have been reports of the fire cause of a reignition of a previous hay fire yesterday, but those reports are not confirmed as of yet.
Residents throughout the Spearfish area could see a large smoke column rising above Lookout Mountain as firefighting operations continued into the evening. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel unrestricted access to roads needed for evacuation and fire suppression efforts.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is asking travelers to avoid the area of the fire, including I-90 West between exits 12 and 10. There have been reports of people stopped along the shoulder of the westbound lanes to take pictures, which is discouraged as it could be dangerous for responding personnel, and other personnel.
Additional updates are expected from Lawrence County Emergency Management, the Spearfish Fire Department, and cooperating wildland firefighting agencies as crews assess fire growth and containment progress.
Current Known Facts
- Fire name: Lookout Fire
- Location: Lookout Mountain area north of Spearfish
- Reported: Shortly after 3 p.m., Sept. 7
- Estimated size: Approximately 100 acres (5:15 pm)
- Evacuations: Lookout Mountain, Kerwin Road, Lookout Vista Road and surrounding areas
- Resources on scene: Ground crews and firefighting aircraft
- Cause: Under investigation
There also is a fire in the Belle Fourche Landfill, towards the northeast side of Belle Fourche. The cause, acres burned, and containment has not been released. Residents and travels may see black or white smoke coming from the East.
This is a developing story and information may change as officials release updated acreage, containment figures, and evacuation information.
