1 killed, another critically injured in western North Dakota wildfires
Firefighters and emergency responders fought several wildfires in western North Dakota over the weekend. (Photo provided by North Dakota Governor's Office)
State, local, federal and tribal firefighters and emergency responders spent the weekend battling large wildfires in western North Dakota, with the fire response expected to continue for days.
The fires prompted evacuations and caused at least one death and one critical injury in northwest North Dakota.
Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, died from injuries attributed to a fire in the Ray area in northwest North Dakota, the Williams County Sheriff's Office said . Another person with a critical injury has been transported for medical care, the agency said.
Gov. Doug Burgum in a statement late Saturday said strong winds and dry conditions were creating "extremely challenging firefighting conditions." The state mobilized resources to assist local, tribal and federal agencies in protecting lives and property, he said.
"We're deeply grateful for the incredible heroics of the firefighters, emergency managers and others working around the clock to control and extinguish these blazes," Burgum said. "The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we urge residents to remain vigilant and heed all evacuation orders and warnings."
Wildfires were reported in the areas of Arnegard, Keene, Charlson, Grassy Butte, Johnsons Corner in McKenzie County, Mandaree, Garrison, Tioga and Ray, according to the governor's news release. Evacuation orders were issued in several areas and temporary shelters were provided for people who were displaced. Power outages were reported in some areas.
Burgum on Thursday had declared a statewide fire emergency , mobilizing resources from the North Dakota Forest Service, North Dakota Department of Emergency Services and the North Dakota National Guard. The declaration cited above-average temperatures, high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation that combined to create dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service reported wind gusts as high as 78 mph on Saturday. Wind speeds diminished by Sunday but the fire response continued, including a large fire south of U.S. Highway 2 between Ray and Tioga, according to Williams County officials.
