Burgum Seeks Presidential Disaster Declaration for Western North Dakota Wildfires

November 21, 2024

TJ Nelson,

Wildfire National Guard — North Dakota National Guard soldiers and airmen worked with the Department of Emergency Services to build a handline and conducted a controlled burn to prevent the further spread of a wildfire near Mandaree, North Dakota, on Oct. 6, 2024. Gov. Doug Burgum declared a statewide fire emergency and activated the North Dakota National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel J. Kroll, visual information photographer)

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Gov. Doug Burgum is requesting a presidential major disaster declaration to assist in recovery from historic wildfires in early October.

The fires in western North Dakota caused damage that’s expected to exceed $8 million.

Burgum has requested a major disaster be declared for Williams and McKenzie counties.

Two lives were lost and there was widespread damage to utilities, homes, land and livestock.

Mountrail, Ward, Dunn and Oliver counties were also impacted by the wildfires but didn’t sustain enough infrastructure damage to be included in the declaration request.

You can find financial, mental and physical recovery resources at ndresponse.gov/wildfire-recovery.