Yes.
Three months before a planned fireworks celebration commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, Mount Rushmore is under an extreme drought designation.
The national memorial is at a level 5 of 6 tiers ranging from a drought condition of “normal” to “exceptional,” as of an April 7 report.
The Black Hills region has already had severe fires and is currently in a "high" fire danger risk (4 out of 6).
The state of South Dakota says 102,991 tickets were requested for the celebration on July 3. About 4,800 will be able to attend, and applicants were notified April 14 if they were successful.
After the event was discontinued during President Obama’s administration in 2009 because of wildfire and other enviornmental concerns, President Trump’s first administration brought it back in 2020.
The celebration will feature "lighting elements" if "environmental conditions require an alternative to fireworks," according to Travel South Dakota.
This fact brief responds to conversations such as this one.
Sources
U.S. Drought Monitor, Pennington County (April 7, 2026)
State of South Dakota News, Mount Rushmore fireworks celebration draws strong public interest for America's 250th
NPR, President Trump Brings Big Fireworks Displays Back To Mount Rushmore
KOTA-TV, Pennington County launches wildfire preparedness campaign after recent Black Hills fires
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