Wildfires Devastate Expansive Areas in North Dakota
Crews have been battling at least 16 wildfires across North Dakota in recent days, with several large blazes still active on Tuesday in the wooded areas and grasslands of the Turtle Mountain Reservation near the Canadian border. The dry and...
TroibNews 
Crews have been battling at least 16 wildfires across North Dakota in recent days, with several large blazes still active on Tuesday in the wooded areas and grasslands of the Turtle Mountain Reservation near the Canadian border.
The dry and breezy conditions leading up to spring have exacerbated the situation. According to a recent map by the US Drought Monitor, much of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with parts of western North Dakota facing severe or extreme drought.
Firefighters from numerous agencies, including the North Dakota Forest Service and local fire departments, have been actively responding to the fires. National Guard Black Hawk helicopters have made water drops to help protect homes, and fire engines have been requested from as far away as Montana and South Dakota. Tribal members have also been involved, using buckets and hoses to combat the flames.
The state Department of Emergency Services reported that three distinct fires in the Turtle Mountain area have burned approximately 17 square kilometers, with most activity occurring north of Belcourt in the northern section of the reservation. The fires began escalating on Friday, and the extent of containment has not been confirmed.
So far, one vacant mobile home was thought to have been lost, but there were no reported injuries or additional property losses despite fires approaching residential areas, prompting about 10 families to evacuate their homes.
On Monday, firefighters faced challenges from high winds, but overnight rain, moderate winds, and the determined efforts of firefighters have helped improve conditions. Sunday was particularly busy, with 75 to 100 firefighters on the ground. Local businesses and tribal members have also provided support.
The fires are believed to have started accidentally, possibly due to sparks from residents’ trash-burning barrels. Fortunately, nearly all of the 16 fires statewide are now fully contained, although a fire in Rolla on Sunday resulted in evacuations. Additionally, fires on the Fort Berthold Reservation have burned at least 8 square kilometers, with a specific 7.3 square kilometer fire on the reservation currently 40 percent contained.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
The dry and breezy conditions leading up to spring have exacerbated the situation. According to a recent map by the US Drought Monitor, much of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with parts of western North Dakota facing severe or extreme drought.
Firefighters from numerous agencies, including the North Dakota Forest Service and local fire departments, have been actively responding to the fires. National Guard Black Hawk helicopters have made water drops to help protect homes, and fire engines have been requested from as far away as Montana and South Dakota. Tribal members have also been involved, using buckets and hoses to combat the flames.
The state Department of Emergency Services reported that three distinct fires in the Turtle Mountain area have burned approximately 17 square kilometers, with most activity occurring north of Belcourt in the northern section of the reservation. The fires began escalating on Friday, and the extent of containment has not been confirmed.
So far, one vacant mobile home was thought to have been lost, but there were no reported injuries or additional property losses despite fires approaching residential areas, prompting about 10 families to evacuate their homes.
On Monday, firefighters faced challenges from high winds, but overnight rain, moderate winds, and the determined efforts of firefighters have helped improve conditions. Sunday was particularly busy, with 75 to 100 firefighters on the ground. Local businesses and tribal members have also provided support.
The fires are believed to have started accidentally, possibly due to sparks from residents’ trash-burning barrels. Fortunately, nearly all of the 16 fires statewide are now fully contained, although a fire in Rolla on Sunday resulted in evacuations. Additionally, fires on the Fort Berthold Reservation have burned at least 8 square kilometers, with a specific 7.3 square kilometer fire on the reservation currently 40 percent contained.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
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