Burgum to survey damage from 'historic' wildfires; FEMA approves aid for firefighting costs
Gov. Doug Burgum was flying to northwestern North Dakota on Monday to survey damage from what state officials called "historic" wildfires over the weekend that burned tens of thousands of acres and resulted in one death and one critical injury.
Burgum, who had declared a statewide fire emergency last Thursday in advance of expected critical fire weather conditions over the weekend, planned an aerial tour of fires in the Mandaree and Ray areas, to be followed by a press conference in Watford City with other officials including McKenzie County Emergency Manager Karolin Jappe.
Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Sunday night authorized the use of federal money to help with firefighting costs for the Bear Den Fire and the Elk Horn Fire, burning in McKenzie County and on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
FEMA Region 8 Deputy Administrator Katherine Fox approved the state's request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant after determining that the situation threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster. The grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund. Additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
The amount of the Fire Management Assistance Grant isn't set up front, according to governor's spokesman Mike Nowatzki.
"It's essentially a 75% federal share. It can only be used for response costs," he said.
There were six major fires reported over the weekend, driven by dry conditions and winds gusting to near 80 mph. Much of western North Dakota is in severe or moderate drought or considered abnormally dry, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map , a partnership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Drought Mitigation Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Bear Den fire near Mandaree was estimated at 25,000 acres. It burned two primary residences and numerous outbuildings, and also threatened the town of Mandaree, according to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. It was considered 0% contained late Sunday, the last available update.
The Elkhorn Fire near Grassy Butte was estimated at about 38,400 acres. A rural outbuilding was lost. The blaze also was considered 0% contained on Sunday.
The Ray/Alamo and Tioga fires in Williams County began separately but merged into one large fire. The size wasn't immediately known. Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, died of fire-related injuries he suffered in the Ray area, according to the Williams County Sheriff's Office. South Africans often come to North Dakota to work as farmhands. Another person who was not identified was taken to a medical facility with critical injuries, authorities said. The fire also damaged power lines. It was considered 90% contained late Sunday.
The Arnegard Fire near Arnegard burned 561 acres and was considered extinguished. There was damage to outbuildings and vehicles. The Garrison Fire near Emmit in McLean County scorched 830 acres, and was stopped just a mile from Garrison. It was considered fully contained. There were no damage reports. The Charlson Fire near Charlson was estimated at 2 miles wide, and was considered extinguished. Power lines were damaged.
Evacuations were ordered in multiple areas, and temporary shelters were opened for those displaced, as well as for animals including pets and horses.
"I've fought fires for 27 years across the nation, including international, and can honestly say I've never seen anything like this," said Fire Management Officer Ryan Melin with the North Dakota Forest Service. "Historic day, historic damage; unprecedented response."
The response to the wildfires included dozens of agencies from three states as well as the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. North Dakota's State Emergency Operations Center began running 24-hour operations on Friday. North Dakota National Guard soldiers and helicopters responded, as did the state Forest Service and Emergency Services, as well as two air tankers from Montana and a firefighting crew from New Mexico.
The impact to livestock and wildlife wasn't immediately known. Ranchers who are missing livestock can file a report by contacting the North Dakota Stockmen's Association at 701-595-2421, 701-214-7709 or 701-223-2522, or by emailing or .
"We aren't able to quantity the losses yet, but we know they are significant," Stockmen's Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson said Monday morning. "Sadly, those losses run the gamut from pasture and feed resources to complete farmsteads, homes and animals ... This is an incredible loss to the impacted communities and, of course, the fear of fire reigniting is still there."
State Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread and State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson issued a statement reminding residents of the necessary steps to protect themselves and their property during the wildfire recovery process.
"If your property faced damage because of the fires, understanding your coverage and taking the right steps can help minimize loss and headaches during the claims process," Godfread said.
Nelson emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety before returning to any fire-damaged property.
"The aftermath of a wildfire can present significant hazards," he said. "It's essential that residents understand these risks and take precautions to protect themselves and their families."
Fire victims with questions or issues regarding their claim or coverage can contact the North Dakota Insurance Department at 701-328-2440 or by going to insurance.nd.gov .
(Check back for updates.)
