Williams County Implements Burn Restrictions For 2025

During the Tuesday, March 18, 2025, meeting of the Williams County Board of County Commissioners. A fire emergency and burn restriction was implimented for the remainder of 2025.

Burn restrictions will be in effect whenever the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is in the Very High or Extreme category for Williams County and/or a Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for Williams County.

According to the restrictions:

When the burn restriction is in effect, the ignition of fireworks, burning of leaves, grass clippings, garbage/pits, construction debris, fallen trees, crop residue or hay land, sloughs, and campfires/bonfires/recreation fire are not permitted.

The use of controlled devices is allowed if they are located on a hard, non-organic surface at least 15 feet away from vegetation and a fire extinguisher or water is available on-site. Controlled devices include items such as gas, charcoal, wood-fired/pellet grills, gas patio fireplaces and chimneys, gas camp stoves, and smokers/pellet grills.

This comes just a week after Gov. Kelly Armstrong today signed an executive order declaring a statewide fire emergency and activating the State Emergency Operations Plan as above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation continue to exacerbate drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires.

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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For more information, please visit the Burning in Williams County webpage.