Fire Officials Are Preparing For A Problematic Fire Season

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Drought conditions and an early thaw are factors contributing to an earlier and longer-than-average spring fire season. Fires have already started across the state, including a fire that burned about 1,200 acres near Menoken.

“We usually get relief coming into winter time. We usually get some snow packs to relieve the drought and that dry fuel. But we didn’t get a lot of moisture throughout the winter season. So as you can see as you look outside, on March 10, and there’s no snow and there’s really dry fuel out there,” said Hunter Noor, Wildland Fire Operations, Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) for North Dakota Forest Service.

All state agencies have been ordered to maintain high levels of readiness to combat fires to save lives, homes, and communities. The Forest Service has already begun staging resources to assist local fire departments.

“The state does have regular meetings to make sure that everyone knows the conditions and we know how to respond to those. We are experiencing elevated risks, so until we do get moisture and do get a green-up of those fuels, those grasses and brush that we have around the state, be on the lookout for days like today,” said Doug Nelson, North Dakota Fire Marshal.

Drought conditions are extreme in about 5% of North Dakota and severe in about 22% of the state, while much of southeastern North Dakota is in moderate drought.

Minnesota is also under a fire warning and experiencing drought conditions.

“It could be a discarded cigarette out the window that could start some type of grass fire. We’ve seen them where people have been out mowing a CRP grassland area and they’ve hit a rock. Which in turn caused a spark to start the fire and also along our railroad track sometimes the train will throw a spark,” said Mark Empting, Clay County Sheriff.

Armstrong’s emergency declaration is effective through May 31, unless extended.