By KFYR Staff and Jacob Morse
Published: Oct. 6, 2024 at 3:28 PM CDT|Updated: Oct. 16, 2024 at 11:45 AM CDT
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - UPDATE (10/20/2024 at 8:25 p.m.):MHA Emergency Operations declared the Bear Den fire 100% contained. Director Emily Sitting Bear confirmed the fire’s status with Your News Leader.
The fire burned 13,500 acres according to the EOC. The fire damaged one unoccupied residential structure. No one was injured.
UPDATE (10/18/2024 at 12 p.m.): Click here for a full map of fire declarations and burn restrictions in North Dakota.
UPDATE (10/17/2024 at 9 p.m.): The MHA Emergency Operations Center says the Bear Den Fire near Mandaree is now 90% contained. As the fire activity levels have decreased and are no longer expanding, the demobilization process has been initiated to scale back firefighting resources and transition the incident toward full containment and recovery.
The MHA Emergency Operations Center started the process this week of conducting an Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) for each of these three wildfires that affected the Fort Berthold Reservation.
UPDATE (10/16/2024 at 12 p.m.): Mercer County has declared a Fire Emergency and Burn Ban effective immediately until rescinded until conditions improve.
What’s included: No opening burning of anything including garbage, campfires, and usage of fireworks.
What’s excluded: Gas grills when used at a safe distance from flammable materials.
Vehicles must stay on established roadways. Those who travel off-road for business or industrial reasons should carry fire extinguishers and normal firefighting equipment like shovels and water.
UPDATE (10/16/2024 at 11:45 a.m.): As of Wednesday morning, officials say the Elkhorn Fire near Watford City is 100% contained. Dakota Prairie Grasslands, North Dakota Response and several other agencies have declared the fire fully contained. Crews will continue to work on suppression and repair through the coming days. The Elkhorn Fire has been burning since Oct. 5.
UPDATE (10/14/2024 at 10 a.m.): According to an update from ND Response, the Bear Den Fire near Mandaree is now 85% contained, and the Elkhorn Fire near Watford City is still 75% contained.
UPDATE (10/13/2024 at 9 a.m.): On Saturday, firefighters continued to work hot spots, mainly in the interior of the Elkhorn Fire area. The work that the firefighters completed over the past week was tested by the higher winds. Their efforts proved to be successful as the fire lines held.
On Sunday, there was an increase in containment of the Elkhorn Fire to 75%.
In the coming days, suppression repair work will begin in some areas. Suppression repair is the work done to repair or minimize the fire impacts on resources and lands that resulted from firefighting activities.
UPDATE (10/12/2024 at 11 p.m.): Burleigh and Emmons Counties have declared a Fire Emergency and instituted burn restrictions effective immediately until rescinded or through November 15, 2024. The areas are under abnormally dry conditions and have either sustained or been threatened with rural fires as of this date.
A large portion of the state is under the same conditions, and emergency management wants to ensure appropriate assets remain available to help fight fires throughout the state.
The burn restrictions remain in effect when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is in the High, Very High or Extreme Rating and/or Red Flag Warning has been issued.
The City of Bismarck has permanent burn restrictions in place through an adopted fire code.
What’s Included: No Open Burning: Includes campfires, controlled burns (i.e., wood piles, tumbleweeds, tree piles, etc.), cropland/agricultural burning, fireworks (aerial and ground), garbage/pit burning, unnecessary off-road motorized travel (anything other than paved or gravel surface)
What’s Excluded: Controlled Devices: Only when the device (gas grills, gas patio fireplaces and chimineas, gas camp stoves, gas, charcoal, or wood-fired grills, patio fireplaces and chimineas, gas camp stoves, and smokers) is on a hard, non-organic surface and 15′ away from vegetation and an extinguisher or water is available on site.
The penalty for violation of the burn restrictions is a Class B misdemeanor (NDCC 37-17.1-10.1: maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and $1,500 fine).
The Rangeland Fire Rating can be found on the ND Department of Emergency Services’ website.
UPDATE (10/12/2024 at 8 p.m.): According to an update from ND Response, the Bear Den Fire near Mandaree is now 65% contained, and the Elkhorn Fire near Watford City is still 60% contained.
UPDATE (10/12/2024 at 3 p.m.): Williams County/Williston Emergency Management has updated the Williams County Fire Emergency and Burn Restriction, previously declared on February 6, 2024, to be in effect at all levels of the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger rating and/or when the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning.
This is a total ban on open burning including 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 fires. Personal cooking grills may continue to be used. The area surrounding the grill/cooker must be cleared of debris, garbage and all flammables in a radius of at least three feet.
Agricultural burns that are necessary to ensure continued operations must be approved by the Fire Chief of the jurisdiction in which the burn is occurring. Contact information for the local fire departments can be found here.
Vehicles (motorized/wheeled) including pickups, cars, four-wheelers, motorcycles and side-by-sides must stay on established roadways. Farmers, ranchers, and those who travel off-road for industrial/business requirements should carry fire extinguishers and normal firefighting equipment (shovels, water, etc). Smoking should only occur in designated areas or inside closed vehicles.
Williams County has experienced an active fire season, with the Williams County Board of County Commissioners recently declaring a local State of Emergency on October 8, 2024, in response to high winds and expansive wildfires in the Ray area.
The updated Williams County Fire Emergency and Burn Restriction is being implemented as part of the State of Emergency, changing weather conditions, and newly reported wildfires.
More information about the Burn Restriction and exemption and variance forms can be found here.
UPDATE (10/12/2024 at 9 a.m.): Bureau of Land Management lands within the following North Dakota & South Dakota counties are under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions until further notice:
North Dakota counties of Dunn, McKenzie, Williams, Golden Valley, Stark, and Bowman, and all BLM lands lying within the South Dakota counties of Butte, Custer, Fall River, Haakon, Harding, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Perkins, Stanley, and Ziebach.
Prohibited Acts:
- Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- The following acts are prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.:
- Operating any internal combustion engine.
- Welding, grinding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Using an explosive.
- A one-hour active foot patrol with appropriate fire tools, checking for and reporting fires, is required within and/or around the work site following the cessation of all work as described above.
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, i.e., target shooting (North Dakota only). (Hunting is allowed in both North Dakota and South Dakota.)
- Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails, as defined in the approved agency travel plan.
- Operating motorized vehicles on a non-surfaced (Two-Track) BLM Road with a wheeled motor vehicle.
UPDATE (10/11/2024 at 3:10 p.m.): Oliver County Commissioners have declared a Fire Emergency and Total Burn Ban, effective immediately.
UPDATE (10/11/2024 at 11:25 a.m.): According to an update from ND Response as of just after 10 p.m. Thursday, the Elkhorn and Bear Den fires are both 60% contained.
They say the Elkhorn fire has burned 10,313 acres and Bear Den 11,746 acres. There are no injuries associated with either fire.
They also say the Pasture 10 fire in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is 99% contained and burned about 53 acres.
You can find more real-time information on the fires on ND Responses' website.
UPDATE (10/10/2024 at 8:20 p.m.): Due to dry conditions, Morton County has declared a Fire Emergency and Burn Ban through the end of the year, effective immediately.
UPDATE (10/10/2024 at 5 p.m.): The USDA Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) issued an Emergency Fire Order and Restrictions for all National Forest System Lands within Billings, Golden Valley, Grant, McHenry, McKenzie, Ransom, Richland, Sioux, and Slope Counties, North Dakota, and Corson, Perkins, and Ziebach Counties, South Dakota. The Order is effective from midnight October 10, 2024, until December 1, 2024, at 11:59 pm, unless rescinded.
The Order outlines activity restrictions and exemptions for building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fires, smoking, and conditional wheeled motor vehicle travel on non-surfaced (Prairie Two-track) National Forest System Roads.
The Order aims to protect the public’s health and safety and the National Forest System’s lands, resources, and facilities during the current severe fire danger.
To read the official Order, view the accompanying map, or find more helpful DPG information, click here.
Additional questions may be directed to the following: McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND, (701) 842-8500; Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND, (701) 227-7800; Sheyenne Ranger District, Lisbon, ND, (701) 404-8950; Grand River Ranger District, Lemmon, SD, (605) 374-3592; and Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor’s Office in Bismarck, ND, (701) 989-7300.
UPDATE (10/10/2024 at 4:30 p.m.): Park officials say the fire has been mostly contained. They say it started because of a coal seam on the Forest Service’s land.
Fifty-six acres were burned in total. Eight of those were in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Officials say they’re in the final steps of containing the fire.
UPDATE (10/10/2024 at 2:15 p.m.): Theodore Roosevelt National Park officials say the fire started outside the park. As of their last update, the fire has burned about eight acres of the park’s boundary.
They say they have crews on the scene.
UPDATE (10/10/24 at 12:50 p.m.): The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services released an update on the wildfires Thursday morning.
Four of the six major fires are 100% contained, including the Ray, Alamo and Tioga Fires in Williams County. However, first responders are still fighting the Elkhorn and Bear Den Fires.
The Elkhorn Fire near Watford City is 60% contained, and the Bear Den Fire near Mandaree is 50% contained.
So far, no injuries have been reported for Elkhorn or Bear Den.
The National Park Service lent two scooper planes to the state for Bear Den.
Officials estimate the Elkhorn Fire has burned over 10,000 acres, and the Bear Den Fire has burned nearly 12,000 acres.
There is no new information about the fire at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
UPDATE (10/10/24 at 11:40 a.m.): The U.S. Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands says there is a new confirmed wildfire that started in Pasture 10 north of the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
It is currently sized at roughly 40 acres.
County, federal engines, and a helicopter are en route to assist.
UPDATE (10/10/24 at 11 a.m.): According to NDResponse.gov, here are the latest fire updates as of 10:54 a.m. Thursday:
- The Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City:
- Size: Estimated 10,313 acres
- Contained: About 60%
- Response: McKenzie County, Dunn County, North Dakota Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, North Dakota National Guard Black Hawks, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Initial Attack, North Dakota Highway Patrol, 1 Federal Huey Helicopter
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuilding lost, no primary structures reported lost
- The Bear Den Fire near Mandaree:
- Size: Estimated 11,746 acres
- Contained: About 50%
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services engine and two firefighters, Large Airtankers from Montana, North Dakota National Guard Red Card, North Dakota Highway Patrol, Scoopers from Bozeman, Hotshot crew from California
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Reported two primary residences lost and numerous outbuildings lost
- Ray, Alamo and Tioga fires in Williams County:
- Size: 88,934 acres burn perimeter
- Contained: 100%
- Response: Williams County, Ward County, Divide County, Burke County, North Dakota Highway Patrol flight
- Injuries: Two fatalities and eight injuries
- Damage: 427 poles need to be replaced, damages being assessed. 19 citizens reporting damages into the county. 178 without power.
- Arnegard Fire near Arnegard:
- Size: Estimated 561 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmet:
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100%, watching for hotspots. It was stopped 1 mile from Garrison.
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: None reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson:
- Size: Estimated 6,000 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Power lines down, no additional damages reported
UPDATE (10/9/24 at 9 p.m.): The U.S. Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands now estimates the Elkhorn Fire at 10,313 acres. Containment has increased to 60 percent.
The new estimate was created utilizing satellite imagery to produce a more accurate representation of actual acreage.
The cause of the Elkhorn Fire is still under investigation.
UPDATE (10/9/24 at 1:45 p.m.): According to NDResponse.gov, here are the latest fire updates as of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday:
- The Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City:
- Size: Estimated 22,434 acres
- Contained: About 50%
- Response: McKenzie County, Dunn County, North Dakota Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, North Dakota National Guard Black Hawks, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Initial Attack, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuilding lost, no primary structures reported lost
- The Bear Den Fire near Mandaree:
- Size: Estimated 11,746 acres
- Contained: About 45%
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services engine and two firefighters, Large Airtankers from Montana, North Dakota National Guard Red Card, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Two houses and many outbuildings have been lost
- Ray, Alamo and Tioga fires in Williams County:
- Size: Began as two fires merged into one, estimated 88,934 acres
- Contained: 100%, actively fighting flare-ups
- Response: Williams County, Ward County, Divide County, Burke County, North Dakota Highway Patrol flight
- Injuries: Two fatalities and eight injuries
- Damage: Downed power lines, 427 poles need to be replaced, damages being assessed
- Arnegard Fire near Arnegard:
- Size: Estimated 561 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmet:
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100%, watching for hotspots. It was stopped 1 mile from Garrison.
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: None reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson:
- Size: Estimated 6,000 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Power lines down, no additional damages reported
UPDATE (10/9/24 at 1:30 p.m.): The National Forest Service (NFS) is lending the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) and the National Guard scooper planes to help fight the Bear Den fire near Mandaree.
The planes began scooping water from Lake Sakakawea — nearly 1,400 gallons per haul in 10 seconds — to fight the nearly 12,000-acre fire on Oct. 8.
Air Operations Branch Director Larry Regorrah with NDDES said the planes delivered more than 100,000 gallons of water on Tuesday. The planes were deployed again on the morning of Oct. 9 after refueling in Minot.
Regorrah said it’s likely the first time planes like this have been deployed to the state.
“In my time here, this is the most aviation-intensive incident we’ve ever had,” said Regorrah.
The National Forest Service will likely lend the aircraft to the state for the rest of the week. No injuries were reported at the time of the NDDES’ last update.
UPDATE (10/9/24 at 12:50 p.m.): According to NDResponse.gov, here are the latest fire updates as of 10:24 a.m. Wednesday:
- The Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City:
- Size: Estimated 28,434 acres
- Contained: About 50%
- Response: McKenzie County, Dunn County, North Dakota Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, North Dakota National Guard Black Hawks, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Initial Attack, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuilding lost, no primary structures reported lost
- The Bear Den Fire near Mandaree:
- Size: Estimated 11,746 acres
- Contained: About 45%
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services engine and two firefighters, Large Airtankers from Montana, North Dakota National Guard Red Card, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Two houses and many outbuildings have been lost
- Ray, Alamo and Tioga fires in Williams County:
- Size: Began as two fires merged into one, estimated 88,934 acres
- Contained: 100%, actively fighting flare-ups
- Response: Williams County, Ward County, Divide County, Burke County, North Dakota Highway Patrol flight
- Injuries: Two fatalities and eight injuries
- Damage: Downed power lines, damages being assessed
- Arnegard Fire near Arnegard:
- Size: Estimated 561 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmet:
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100%, watching for hotspots. It was stopped 1 mile from Garrison.
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: None reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson:
- Size: Estimated 6,000 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Power lines down, no additional damages reported
UPDATE (10/8/24 at 7 p.m.): The USDA Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) issued a National Forest System Roads closure order for areas affected by the Elkhorn Fire effective immediately to protect public health and safety.
The closure applies to all National Forest System (NFS) lands including roads and trails within the area including lands in T149N, R97W Sections 8-17, 19-35; T149N R98W Sections 26 & 35, and T148N R98W Sections 1-4, 10-12, 14 & 15 as depicted on the map below and including the following National Forest System Roads: 854, 855, 855-1, 855-3, 856, 8561, 8562, 856-20, 856-21, 856-22, 8563, 856-5, 856-7, 857, 8571, 8572, 8573, 8574, and 8575.
The road closure order will remain effective through December 31, 2024, or until rescinded.
Law Enforcement and Forest Protection officers will patrol the area.
Further information regarding this order may be obtained at the Medora Ranger District Office located at 99 23rd Ave West Suite B, Dickinson, North Dakota, (701) 227-7800, the McKenzie Ranger District at 1905 S. Main Street, Watford City, ND 58854, (701) 842-8500, and the Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor’s Office located at 2000 Miriam Circle, Bismarck, North Dakota, (701) 989-7300.
UPDATE (10/8/24 at 4 p.m.): According to NDresponse.gov, here are the latest fire updates as of 3:50 p.m. Tuesday:
- The Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City:
- Size: Estimated 28,434 acres
- Contained: About 50%
- Response: McKenzie County, Dunn County, North Dakota Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, North Dakota National Guard Black Hawks, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Initial Attack, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuilding lost, no primary structures reported lost
- The Bear Den Fire near Mandaree:
- Size: Estimated 11,746 acres
- Contained: About 30%
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services engine and two firefighters, Large Airtankers from Montana, North Dakota National Guard Red Card, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Two houses and many outbuildings have been lost
- Ray, Alamo and Tioga fires in Williams County:
- Size: Began as two fires merged into one, estimated 88,934 acres
- Contained: 99%, actively fighting flare-ups
- Response: Williams County, Ward County, Divide County, Burke County, North Dakota Highway Patrol flight
- Injuries: Two fatalities and eight injuries
- Damage: Downed power lines, damages being assessed
- Arnegard Fire near Arnegard:
- Size: Estimated 561 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmet:
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100%, watching for hotspots. It was stopped 1 mile from Garrison.
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: None reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson:
- Size: Estimated 6,000 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Power lines down, no additional damages reported
UPDATE (10/8/24 at 2 p.m.): The U.S. Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands provided this update on Tuesday on the Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City:
The fire is currently 50% contained. Firefighters are actively working with aircraft, engines, and hand crews to establish additional containment lines. Progress has been slow due to the rugged terrain. Local, state, and federal officials are working together to contain the fire.
Over the next few days, you may see increased smoke from within the fire area. Increased smoke and smoke columns will be most noticeable in the afternoon and evening hours. If smoke is coming from within the fire area, it does not need to be reported.
The cold front passage is expected on Thursday. This will bring strong winds, lower relative humidity, and unseasonably warm temperatures. Firefighters are doing everything they can to strengthen existing fire lines and be ready for the change in weather.
UPDATE (10/8/24 at 12 p.m.): Satellite imagery shows the burn scars left behind from the largest wildfires in northwest North Dakota.
UPDATE (10/7/24 at 5 p.m.): Gov. Doug Burgum and fellow state officials surveyed several large wildfires still burning in western North Dakota on Monday, meeting with firefighters, emergency managers and other local officials in Tioga and Watford City to thank them for their efforts to protect lives and property and urging continued vigilance as dry conditions persist and the wildfire risk remains high.
“Part of what makes North Dakota special is the strong collaboration between agencies and communities at all levels, neighbors helping neighbors, and that’s been on full display during these incredibly challenging wildfires,” Burgum said. “Local firefighters, first responders, farmers and ranchers have fought alongside state, tribal and federal resources against incredible odds to literally save entire communities, and we are deeply grateful for their tireless efforts.
After an aerial tour of wildfires in the Mandaree and Ray areas with the North Dakota National Guard’s adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, Burgum and state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread and state Fire Marshal Doug Nelson met in Tioga with firefighters from Tioga, Ray, Williston, Epping, Trenton, Grenora and Alamo, along with emergency management personnel, county commissioners, farmers and others.
The governor also surveyed the Elkhorn fire south of Watford City – which covered 28,400 acres as of Monday morning – and held a press conference at the McKenzie County Courthouse in Watford City with Johnson, Goehring, Godfread, State Forester Tom Claeys, North Dakota Forest Service Fire Management Office Ryan Melin, McKenzie County Emergency Manager Karolin Jappe and other officials.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” Burgum said, noting the extremely dry conditions, lack of rain in the forecast and potential for increased winds. “We could be at this a while, so we’re going to maintain all of the work we’re doing.”
Two North Dakota National Guard Black Hawk helicopters used water buckets to make 59 water drops totaling 39,000 pounds of water scooped out of Lake Sakakawea and other sources on Sunday, and a third Black Hawk was added to Monday’s operations. The Guard also has 27 firefighters who are expected to continue working the fires through this week.
“Emergency Services has gone from the initial spin-up to more of a sustained operation,” Brig. Gen. Johnson said.
Claeys, the state forester, reiterated the need for continued vigilance by citizens, adding the state will be increasing its messaging to emphasize the importance of fire prevention.
“Every fire that doesn’t start is one we don’t have to fight,” he said.
Dry air with less than 20% relative humidity and dried vegetation providing plenty of fuel means the state must already start preparing for the next round of fires, Melin said.
“We know that we’re probably here until it snows,” he said.
Goehring announced that the Department of Agriculture has activated its Hay Hotline at (701) 328-5110 to provide relief to ranchers.
“There’s some people that lost almost everything, and many that lost a lot, so let’s not forget about them,” he said. “Right now, we are asking for those that have a need to give us a call.”
Godfread and Nelson offered guidance for residents impacted by the weekend fires, urging residents to survey and take inventory of their property.
“If you have suffered property loss, if you’ve suffered any kind of property damage, the big key point right now is to document it, document it, document it,” Godfread said.
At least four residences were reported to be destroyed by fire, along with numerous outbuildings. Citing the widespread damage to pastures, farmland, equipment, fencing and buildings, state Sen. Dale Patten of Watford City said, “The scale of the impact is going to be huge, and it is going to take some time to get that all put together.”
The state will be assessing damage to public and private/nonprofit infrastructure once the fires are extinguished and damaged areas can be accessed. The current state-level threshold to request a presidential disaster declaration for North Dakota is $1,472,488, and if there are enough qualifying damages, the state will likely move forward with a disaster declaration. Damage assessments will be conducted over the next few weeks.
UPDATE (10/7/24 at 2:15 p.m.): The following is the status of the largest fires as of 2:09 p.m. Monday.
- Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City
- Size: estimated 28,434
- Contained: 20% contained
- Response: McKenzie County, Dunn County, North Dakota Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, North Dakota National Guard Black Hawks, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Initial Attack, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuilding lost, no primary structures reported lost
- Bear Den Fire near Mandaree
- Size: estimated 11,746 acres
- Contained: 0% contained
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services engine and two firefighters, Large Airtankers from Montana, North Dakota National Guard Red Card, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: reported two primary residences lost and numerous outbuildings lost
- Ray / Alamo & Tioga Fires in Williams County
- Size: Began as two fires merged into one, size unknown
- Contained: 90% contained, actively fighting flare-ups
- Response: Williams County, Ward County, Divide County, Burke County, North Dakota Highway Patrol flight
- Injuries: One fatality and one individual in critical condition
- Damage: Downed power lines, damages being assessed. 373 without power
- Arnegard Fire near Arnegard
- Size: estimated 561 acres
- Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmet
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100% contained, watching for hotspots. Was stopped 1 mile from Garrison
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: none reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson
- Size: estimated 2 miles wide
- Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: power lines down, no additional damages reported
UPDATE (10/7/2024 at 2 p.m.): ND Response says the Elkhorn Fire has grown to an approximate size of 28,434 acres and it is still 20% contained.
The approximate size of the Bear Den Fire was brought down from 25,000 to 11,746 acres. It is still 0% contained. Crews continue to secure the town of Mandaree.
Over 300 customers remain without power in Ray and Tioga.
UPDATE (10/7/2024 at 12:15 p.m.): Elkhorn Fire Monday update from the U.S. Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands:
Monday’s forecast indicates favorable weather conditions for firefighting activities and is it expected that firefighters will be able to maintain progress on containment of the fire perimeter. The North Dakota National Guard will utilize a helicopter to drop water in rugged terrain and other possible trouble spots on the north and east sides of the fire.
Local roads are being used extensively by first responders actively engaged in firefighting activities. For your safety and the safety of the firefighters, the U.S. Forest Service asks you to stay away from the fire area.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 8:30 p.m.): Elkhorn Fire Sunday evening update from the U.S. Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands:
- Acres: 22,430
- Containment: 20%
On Sunday, the Civil Air Patrol was able to fly the fire and mapped the burn area at 22,430 acres. The North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) utilized a Blackhawk helicopter to perform bucket drops in rugged areas that are difficult to access by vehicle, both on the north side of the fire and at the east end. Additionally, two air tanker fire retardant drops took place on the north side of the fire. Some mop-up work was started as well.
Crews assigned to the south side of the fire were able to keep the fire north of County Road 34 and stopped much of the fire’s movement toward the east.
On Monday, the NDNG will be back with the Blackhawk. Work will continue on the north side of the fire in the Rough Creek drainage along Road 8562.
“Favorable weather conditions over the next couple of days will aid firefighters in continuing progress with containment of the fire,” said Dave Uhlich, fire chief of the Watford City Fire Department.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 3:30 p.m.): Assessment flights are ongoing on Sunday to better understand the status and scope of all wildfires. This update is as of 3:30 p.m. Sunday:
- Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City:
- Size: estimated 12 miles long and 5 miles wide
- Contained: 0% contained
- Response: McKenzie County, Dunn County, North Dakota Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, North Dakota National Guard Black Hawks, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Initial Attack, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuilding lost, no primary structures reported lost
- Bear Den Fire near Mandaree:
- Size: estimated 25,000 acres
- Contained: 0% contained
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services engine and two firefighters, Large Airtankers from Montana, North Dakota National Guard Red Card, North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: reported two primary residences lost and numerous outbuildings lost
- Ray / Alamo & Tioga Fires in Williams County:
- Size: Began as two fires merged into one, size unknown
- Contained: 90% contained, actively fighting flare-ups
- Response: Williams County, Ward County, Divide County, Burke County, North Dakota Highway Patrol flight
- Injuries: One fatality and one individual in critical condition
- Damage: Downed power lines, damages being assessed
- Arnegard Fire near Arnegard:
- Size: estimated 561 acres
- Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmit:
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100% contained, watching for hotspots. Was stopped one mile from Garrison
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: none reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson:
- Size: estimated 2 miles wide
- Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: power lines down, no additional damages reported
ORIGINAL STORY (10/6/2024 at 3 p.m.): Local, state, tribal, and federal fire response continues through a historic fire situation in North Dakota, where damage includes one loss of life and another serious injury.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the deceased and offer our prayers and support for the critically injured individual as well as those who have lost their homes and property to these tragic fires,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “The state continues to utilize all resources at our disposal to assist local, tribal and federal agencies in safeguarding people, property and communities.”
Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, succumbed to critical injuries from a fire in the Ray area. An additional individual with a critical injury has been transported for medical care, according to Williams County Emergency Management.
Crews on the ground saved the town of Mandaree as they fought through the night to contain the Bear Den fire, estimated to have burned over 25,000 acres.
As daylight broke, two National Guard Black Hawk helicopters took flight to join the firefighting teams on the ground at both the Bear Den fire near Mandaree and the Elkhorn fire south of Watford City.
“I’ve fought fires for 27 years across the nation, including international, and can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Fire Manager Ryan Melin of the North Dakota Forest Service.
The State Emergency Operations Center has been running 24-hour operations since Friday to coordinate response efforts and fulfill requests in assisting the heroic work on the ground by county and tribal emergency managers, first responders, and firefighters.
On Friday, crews struggled to control the size and scope of the flames through the wind and smoke.
“This may go down in history as one of the worst combined fire situations in North Dakota history,” said North Dakota Adjutant General Mitch Johnson. “Yesterday we were on defense, but today we’re on offense.”
The Governor and General Johnson plan to tour the fire-damaged areas on Monday, October 7. Further details will be forthcoming.
The safety of citizens and first responders continues to be first priority, along with protecting communities, homes, and property. This is an evolving situation, and more information will be published as it becomes available.
If you see smoke, call 911 right away.
Lost or found cattle can be reported to the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association at cward@ndstockman.org or jellingson@ndstockmen.org or by calling 701-223-2522.
Further Safety Information:
Unfortunately, dry conditions are expected to continue into the fall months and will provide ample fuel for wildfire. That means we all must continue to be vigilant, especially in our rural communities.
- Remember to follow burn restrictions. 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. Current conditions and information can be found at https://NDResponse.gov/burn
- Use caution with outdoor equipment of any kind. While pulling a camper, boat or trailer, remember to cross your tow chains. Never park on tall, dry grass.
- Make sure to dispose of cigarettes properly.
- If you are in an area that allows recreational fires, never leave them unattended and be sure to put them out completely.
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