North Dakota Battles Historic Wildfires

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BISMARCK, N.D. - 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 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 near Grassy Butte.

"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 fire fighters.

Yesterday 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 situation in North Dakota history," said North Dakota Adjutant General Mitch Johnson. "Yesterday we were on defense, but today we're on offense."

Assessment flights are ongoing today to better understand the status and scope of all wildfires. As of 11 a.m. today:

Elkhorn Fire near Grassy Butte:
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.
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 1 mile from Garrison
Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
Injuries: none reported
Damage: none reported

Charlson
Size: estimated 2 miles wide
Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished 2 a.m. today
Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
Injuries: none reported
Damage: power lines down, no additional damages reported

The Governor and General Johnson plan to tour the fire damaged areas Monday, October 7th. Further details will be forthcoming.

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 to [email protected] or [email protected] or by calling 701-223-2522.

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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.

For More Information, Contact :
Alison Vetter, Strategic Communications Chief
North Dakota Department of Emergency Services 701-328-8154 | [email protected]

Nathan Rivard, Public Affairs Officer
North Dakota National Guard (701) 220-7277 | [email protected]

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