As reported by AP News, multiple wildfires in western North Dakota over the weekend have resulted in one death and the evacuation of more than 100 residents.
The fires, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions, are expected to persist as officials do not foresee an improvement in the region’s drought status anytime soon.
Six major wildfires were reported, with four already contained.
Investigators believe that downed power lines may have sparked at least some of these fires.
The affected areas include oil fields, agricultural land, and rugged terrain.
Wind gusts in western and central North Dakota reached between 57 mph (92 kph) and 75 mph (121 kph) on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that most of western North Dakota is experiencing drought conditions.
The Elkhorn Fire, spanning 44 square miles (114 square kilometers) near Grassy Butte, was reported as 20% contained as of Monday.
The Bear Den Fire, which covers 18 square miles (47 square kilometers) near Mandaree, remains zero percent contained, as stated by the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.
North Dakota Forest Service Fire Manager Ryan Melin expressed concern over the ongoing situation, noting, “We know that we’re probably here until it snows.”
The fatalities include 26-year-old Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden from South Africa, who died in a large fire near Ray.
The Williams County Sheriff’s Office reported that another individual suffered critical injuries in the same incident.
The sheriff’s office has not disclosed further details about Van Eeden’s death due to an ongoing investigation.
The weather in western North Dakota is projected to remain warm and dry through at least Thursday.
While light winds are expected until Wednesday, meteorologist Michael Hollan mentioned that wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph (48 kph) by Thursday.
This continued dry spell raises concerns for firefighters battling the blazes, especially after the damage already incurred.
The Bear Den Fire has destroyed at least two homes and numerous outbuildings, with additional damage reported across other fire zones.
Evacuation orders have impacted between 80 to 100 residents in the Arnegard area, where a 700-acre (283-hectare) fire ignited early Saturday due to a downed power line.
Chief Rick Schreiber of the Arnegard Fire Protection District described the fire as “the fastest, most aggressive grass fire” he has witnessed in his 27 years of firefighting.
Initial responders faced extreme conditions, including wind gusts up to 73 mph (117 kph), forcing some crews to retreat.
Governor Doug Burgum visited the wildfire-affected areas on Monday and indicated that the past weekend may represent one of the worst fire days in North Dakota’s history based on the extensive land charred.
Over the weekend, the North Dakota Forest Service reported 33 wildfires affecting a total area of 77 square miles (199 square kilometers).
This figure does not account for the larger fires in the Ray, Tioga, and Alamo areas, which merged into a single, expansive fire still under evaluation.
The losses in livestock remain uncertain as farmers and ranchers continue to assess the damage.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring reported that local producers are still gathering information on the situation.
Julie Ellingson, Executive Vice President of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, noted that a complete assessment of the impact could take weeks or months.
Emergency personnel, including local, state, tribal, and federal responders, have been engaged in firefighting efforts, with assistance from the National Guard and crews from Montana and New Mexico.
Wildfires in western North Dakota have resulted in one confirmed death and the evacuation of over 100 residents due to fierce winds and dry conditions.
Several fires are reported, with some contained, while ongoing assessments of damage are being conducted.
The situation remains critical as local authorities and firefighting teams respond to the challenges posed by the weather.
Governor Doug Burgum noted that the recent fires may mark a significant event in the state’s history regarding land affected.
Continued efforts are underway to manage the wildfires and assess the full impact on the local community and agriculture.
