Lookout Flats Prescribed Fire
Date: October 24, 2025
Operations: Started at 10:30 AM
Location: Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Size: 1100 Acres
The primary objectives of the Lookout Flats Prescribed Fire are to reduce fuel loading, decrease encroachment of young ponderosa pine onto the prairie, and increase cover of native forbs. Prescribed fires help decrease the intensities of future wildfires and mimic the natural fire regimes of a mixed-grass prairie ecosystem.
Smoke may be heavy at times along highways 385 and 87 and visible from the surrounding region. Hwy 385 between the north and south access roads into the park headquarters will be closed, with traffic routed through the visitor center parking lot.
The Lookout Point, Highland Creek, and Wind Cave Canyon Trails will be closed during firing operations and longer if necessary. For additional information, visit: www.nps.gov/wica/learn/news/09232025pr.htm
