More than a dozen counties enact burn restrictions due to dry weather conditions

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Due to ongoing dry vegetation and ongoing hot, dry, and windy weather conditions, Cass County has declared a fire emergency and enacted burn restrictions through November 30.

“You can obviously still use controlled devices with grills, gas patio, fireplaces, things like that. This is only in effect for when we have a high danger,” said Cole Baker, Cass County Emergency Manager.

Restrictions include campfires, controlled burns, cropland burning, fireworks, and garbage burning. The restrictions typically go into effect at the end of the winter season as the weather begins to warm up.

“You just got to be on standby because with dry conditions and slight fire that can start with the dry underbrush that we’re experiencing outside right now that can spread extremely fast with the windy conditions also,” said Steve Baron, Fire Chief at West Fargo Rural Fire Department.

North Dakota records approximately 1,800 fire incidents each year. Many fires that have been reported include electrical, vehicle fires, unattended cooking, smoking, heating devices, and others.

“I’ve seen in the past where a trailer behind a vehicle had a chain dragging on the ground, causing a spark throwing it into a ditch. Not so much careless cigarette smoking, but a lot of accidental machinery full of sparks stuff like that or along railroad tracks in the area too,” said Baron.

Baron recommends if you see smoke from a potential fire to call it in sooner rather than later.

Residents need to check the daily Fire Danger Rating before conducting any burning. The rating is available at ndresponse.gov/burn.