Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
According to data collected by the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services and North Dakota Forest Service, nearly 1,400 fires have scorched more than 100,000 acres across the state since January 2021. That total, which is the equivalent of about 156 square miles, is compiled through reports from local emergency managers and 9-1-1 calls, as well as historical data from the Integrated Reporting of Wildland-Fire Information (IRWIN) system used by fire departments.
Wildfire numbers dramatically increased this year, when compared to fire data from 2020. Last year, about 921 fires burned a total of 11,956 acres, most of which were human-caused. This year, however, North Dakota is feeling the effects of a devastating drought cycle, experiencing some of the driest winter and spring months in 127 years of record keeping. Limited moisture and warm temperatures have increased the intensity and size of wildfires this year, according to State Forester Tom Claeys.
Most recently, several local, tribal, state and federal agencies responded to two large wildfires over the April 30 - May 2 weekend. The Roosevelt Creek Fire in the Little Missouri National Grassland, north of Medora, burned more than 4,600 acres, while another fire on the Fort Berthold Reservation, about six miles south of Mandaree, North Dakota, burned an estimated 9,800 acres.
“This year, it’s imperative that we all know how to mitigate against wildfires, especially as we make plans to enjoy the summer months by recreating outside with friends and family,” Claeys said. “With Independence Day right around the corner, we need to raise awareness now to reduce wildfire risk. We all can do our part to practice fire safety and protect property and lives.”
Some fire tips from the North Dakota Forest Service include:
• Avoid or postpone burning.
• Make sure to dispose of cigarettes properly.
• Use caution with outdoor equipment. While pulling a camper, boat or trailer, remember to cross your tow chains and never park on tall, dry grass.
• If you are in an area that allows recreational fires, never leave them unattended and be sure to put them out completely.
• Remember to follow all burn bans. Additionally, fires should not be started on days with a Red Flag Warning, which is when warm temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds are forecasted to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
To learn more about fire safety and to access burn ban and fire danger maps for local counties, visit the NDResponse website. Communities also can consult with their local fire department or emergency management office for the most current information regarding restrictions in their area.
