Burgum declares statewide fire emergency

BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — Governor Doug Burgum Thursday afternoon declared a statewide fire emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Plan.

The action is in response to the extremely dry and windy conditions across the state. In the past week, nearly 3,500 acres have burned in 67 reported fires.

All state agencies, including the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, the North Dakota Forest Service and the North Dakota National Guard, are on orders to maintain high levels of readiness to combat fires.

“Above average temperatures, gusty winds, low humidity and significant amounts of dry vegetation have combined to create high fire danger conditions in parts of North Dakota,” Burgum said. “Fires can spread rapidly under these conditions, and the state is ready to respond quickly with resources as needed to help local firefighters and first responders protect lives, homes and communities.”

The declaration allows the state’s adjutant general to activate North Dakota National Guard members, including helicopter pilots and those trained in fighting wildfires, to be prepositioned to fly as needed.

For more information about current burn restrictions and fire danger maps, visit ndresponse.gov/burn .

The governor’s executive order is below.

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