BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Kelly Armstrong today issued an executive order declaring a statewide fire emergency and activating the State Emergency Operations Plan, as drought conditions and the risk of wildfires have intensified across North Dakota amid hot and dry conditions in July and August.
“In just a few months we’ve seen ground conditions shift from lush green to tinder dry across large portions of our state, and we need to be prepared for a potentially intense wildfire season this fall,” Armstrong said. “State government is committed to deploying all resources at our disposal to protect life and property in cooperation with our local, tribal and federal partners. We encourage citizens to keep updated on fire conditions and take precautions to prevent wildfires as we face these challenging conditions together.”
The area of North Dakota experiencing drought conditions has jumped from less than 2% three months ago to over 56% in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday. Approximately 33% of the state is experiencing moderate drought and 23% is experiencing extreme drought, while 36% is rated abnormally dry.
Conditions are not expected to improve soon, with the National Weather Service’s outlook signaling above average temperatures and below normal precipitation this fall. Local and tribal jurisdictions across the state have issued fire declarations and restrictions in response to the worsening conditions. State resources including the North Dakota Forest Service and state Wildland Fire Task Force have already responded to fight wildfires this summer and will likely continue to be needed into the fall.
The emergency declaration directs all state agencies, including the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota National Guard, to maintain high levels of readiness to combat fires. The order is effective until Dec 1, unless extended.