Gov. Kelly Armstrong declares statewide fire emergency as drought rapidly spreads across North Dakota
Bismarck, North Dakota – North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong has declared a statewide fire emergency as rapidly worsening drought, hot weather, and dry ground raise concerns about a potentially dangerous wildfire season across the state.
Armstrong issued an executive order activating the State Emergency Operations Plan after drought conditions expanded dramatically during the past three months. The declaration comes after unusually hot and dry conditions during July and August left large areas of North Dakota increasingly vulnerable to fires.
State officials are preparing for the possibility that the wildfire threat could remain elevated through the fall, particularly because current weather forecasts do not point to significant relief in the coming months.
“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.”
Drought expands rapidly across North Dakota
The change in drought conditions has been particularly sharp. Three months ago, less than 2% of North Dakota was experiencing drought. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday, that figure has now climbed above 56%.
About 33% of North Dakota is currently experiencing moderate drought, while approximately 23% is dealing with extreme drought. Another 36% of the state has been classified as abnormally dry.
Those numbers have raised additional concerns about vegetation and other material becoming increasingly dry and easier to ignite as summer moves toward fall.
The outlook also suggests the situation may remain difficult. The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and below normal precipitation for the state this fall. That combination could allow dry conditions to continue and keep the wildfire threat elevated.
Local and tribal jurisdictions have already responded by issuing their own fire declarations and restrictions as conditions deteriorate.
North Dakota has also had to deploy state firefighting resources during the summer. The North Dakota Forest Service and the state’s Wildland Fire Task Force have responded to wildfires, and officials expect those resources may continue to be needed during the fall.
Armstrong’s emergency declaration directs state agencies to maintain a high level of readiness so resources can be deployed when fires occur. Agencies covered by the order include the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota National Guard.
The declaration is intended to strengthen coordination among state agencies while allowing North Dakota to work closely with local, tribal and federal partners if wildfire activity increases.
Officials are also urging residents to follow current fire conditions and restrictions and to take steps to avoid accidentally starting fires while the state remains unusually dry.
Armstrong’s statewide fire emergency declaration will remain effective until December 1 unless officials decide conditions require it to be extended.
