The NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service is ramping up wildfire response efforts following North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s declaration of a statewide fire emergency.
The NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service is ramping up wildfire response efforts following North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s declaration of a statewide fire emergency.
With drought conditions persisting and an early thaw leading to an extended fire season, the Forest Service is coordinating with state and local agencies to ensure rapid deployment of firefighting resources. The agency has already staged fire engines and personnel in high-risk areas, including Dickinson and Bismarck, to support local fire departments.
“Fire season has arrived in North Dakota,” said State Forester Tom Claeys. “As over 90 percent of wildland fires in the state are human caused, we advise extreme caution as people work and travel across the drying landscape.”
The Forest Service plays a key role in the State Emergency Operations Plan – Wildland Fire Annex, working alongside the Department of Emergency Services, North Dakota National Guard and National Weather Service to assess conditions and deploy resources. During major fire events, a unified command is established, involving the Governor’s Office, the National Guard’s Adjutant General and the State Forester.
In preparation for high fire danger, the agency relocated a wildland fire engine to Dickinson on Sunday. The Williston and Kindred Fire Departments also were activated as part of the Wildland Fire Task Force.
By Monday, multiple fires had ignited in western North Dakota, prompting the Forest Service to send three fire engines, an ATV equipped for firefighting and additional personnel to assist overwhelmed local departments.
Gov. Armstrong’s emergency declaration allows the state to preposition resources and maintain high readiness levels as fire conditions worsen. Last year’s wildfires burned over 120,000 acres and officials are urging residents to take precautions to prevent new fires.
“Local fire departments do an amazing job keeping people and property safe,” Claeys said. “Let’s all do our part to ensure their safety so they can continue to serve our communities.”
For updates on fire conditions, prevention tips and reporting tools, visit the Forest Service fire management website.