One Person Killed, One Injured in Wildfires in Western North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR: 8:50PM UPDATE) — FEMA has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Bear Den Fire and the Elk Horn Fire, burning in McKenzie County and on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

FEMA Region 8 Deputy Administrator Katherine Fox approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for each fire after receiving the request this afternoon and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster.

Gov. Doug Burgum will tour the damage and get an update on fire fighting efforts on Monday.

He will be joined by North Dakota National Guard, Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson.

**ORIGINAL STORY BELOW**

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — One person is dead and another injured as wildfires burn thousands of acres in western North Dakota.

26-year-old Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden of South Africa died of critical injuries from fire in the Ray, North Dakota area.

Another person with a critical injury was taken to a hospital.

More than eighteen local and regional agencies are involved in the emergency response to grass fires in eastern Williams County since Saturday.

A large fire is still burning south of Highway 2 between Ray and Tioga and first responders are continuing to respond to hotspots.

Highway 2 is open and passable, but drivers should use caution and be aware of downed power lines and poles.

The extent of property damage is still being assessed.

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.

Gov. Burgum declared a statewide fire emergency on Thursday and the State Emergency Operations Center has been running 24-hour operations since Friday.

“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.”

As of 10/6/2024 3:30PM:

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 Fire near 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