ruralfire2April10Bismarck  (CSi) – Gov. Jack Dalrymple Monday extended an executive order to protect against fire outbreaks in North Dakota.

Dalrymple’s original executive order was in effect until Wednesday, but today he extended the statewide fire emergency until April 30.  The governor can extend the statewide fire emergency beyond April 30 if necessary.

In his executive order, Dalrymple issued a burn ban for areas in the North Dakota Fire Danger Rating designated as “High,” “Very High,” or “Extreme,” and/or when a Red Flag Warning has been issued for an area. Burning will be allowed in designated areas with a “Low” or “Moderate” Fire Danger Rating if approved by the local fire response authority that has jurisdiction over the area.

Dalrymple has also activated the North Dakota State Emergency Operations Plan to make state assistance available to local and tribal officials in the event of a fire emergency. In addition, the governor has authorized the Adjutant General to activate and make available North Dakota National Guard resources in support of local and tribal governments.

“This executive order is an important step in our ongoing work to protect against the threat of fire outbreaks in many areas of the state,” Dalrymple said. “Our state agencies have been directed to be at the ready should local and tribal officials need assistance in protecting life or property.”

Dalrymple’s executive order was issued in response to extremely dry conditions, burn ban and fire restrictions declared throughout the state, Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity and high winds. The NWS has documented below average precipitation across the state, leaving many natural fuels such as tall grasses very dry and susceptible to fire outbreak.

The North Dakota Army National Guard launched two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in support of a request by emergency responders battling a wild fire south of Bismarck, near the residential area of Briardale.

 

Today, Governor  Jack Dalrymple extended an executive order which authorizes the adjutant general to activate North Dakota National Guard resources in support of local and tribal governments responding to wildfires.

The first Black Hawk launched at 3:57 p.m. (CST) from the Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility south of the Bismarck airport. The second helicopter launched at 5:00 p.m.

The Black Hawks are assigned to the Bismarck-based Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment and will use 600 gallon water buckets to help control the wildfire. The helicopters will scoop water out of the Missouri River and will assist as fuel and flying conditions allow or until the mission is complete.