Gov. Armstrong Declares Fire Emergency In North Dakota

Governor Kelly Armstrong yesterday issued an executive order, declaring a statewide fire emergency and activating the State Emergency Operations Plan due to above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation continuing to raise the risk of wildfires throughout the state.

Governor Armstrong, who is also a former volunteer firefighter, said, "North Dakotans endured some of the largest, deadliest, and most destructive wildfires in recent memory last year; the actions being taken now will ensure we are fully ready for another intense wildfire season." " Working with our local and federal partners, the state is dedicated to making use of every resource at our disposal to safeguard life and property. Every fire that does not start is a fire we do not have to fight; hence, citizens may help by keeping current on fire conditions and acting to avoid wildfires.

Early thaw and drought conditions are elements driving an earlier and longer-than-average spring fire season. Already raging across the state this spring, fires have proven aggressive and challenging to contain. One fire Sunday in Menoken burnt about 1,200 acres, involving five fire departments.

All state agencies—including the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, the North Dakota Forest Service, and the North Dakota National Guard—are directed under today's emergency declaration to keep high degrees of preparedness to fight fires to save lives, homes, and communities. To help nearby fire departments, the Forest Service has already started assembling supplies in Dickinson and Bismarck.

Given the high fire risk circumstances that exist now and are projected to stay, even intensify, through the spring until vegetation starts to green, this designation lets the state position resources for a quick wildfire reaction. Unless extended, the declaration is good through May 31.

By following these guidelines, North Dakotans can help stop fires:

Always "Learn Before You Burn" by visiting ndresponse.gov/burn to study fire hazard maps and consult local officials for the most recent burn regulations. The governor's announcement is neither a ban nor a fire restriction.

Even if the fire seems to be out, continuous monitoring of heaps and sloughs is advised since burned brush piles might rekindle with strong winds.

Always avoid driving on dry grass since hot exhaust pipes could be a heat source for a wildfire start.

North Dakotans can help prevent fires by taking the following actions:

• Always “Learn Before You Burn” by checking with your local officials for the latest information on burn restrictions and viewing fire danger maps at ndresponse.gov/burn. The governor’s declaration is not a fire restriction or ban.
• Burned brush piles can reignite with high winds, so careful monitoring of piles and sloughs is recommended, even if the fire appears to be out.
• Always stay off dry grass when driving a vehicle, as hot exhaust pipes can be a heat source for starting a wildfire.

North Dakotans are also encouraged to be “Ready, Set, Go!”

Ready – Be Prepared. Sign up for local alerts and follow local emergency management on social media. Create and practice an emergency plan.

Set – Be Alert. Prepare to evacuate. Evacuate early if you need more time or feel your life is in danger.

Go! – Evacuate Now. Do not hesitate. Bring your pets and emergency supply kit.

Wildfires last October burned over 120,000 acres in North Dakota, including a fire near Ray that resulted in two fatalities. The state’s request for a presidential major disaster declaration was granted in December for Williams and McKenzie counties.

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Drought conditions are rated as extreme in about 5% of North Dakota and severe in about 22% of the state, all in western North Dakota, while much of southeastern North Dakota is in moderate drought. Overall, more than 40% of the state’s residents are living in drought-affected areas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor