{"id":291582,"date":"2025-03-12T09:41:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T14:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=291582"},"modified":"2025-03-12T10:44:56","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T15:44:56","slug":"armstrong-declares-statewide-fire-emergency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=291582","title":{"rendered":"Armstrong Declares Statewide Fire Emergency"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Bismarck – Gov. Kelly Armstrong today signed an executive order<\/a> declaring a statewide fire emergency and activating the State Emergency Operations Plan as above average temperatures and below average precipitation continue to exacerbate drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNorth Dakotans endured some of the largest, deadliest and most destructive wildfires in recent memory last year, and the actions being taken now will ensure we are fully prepared for another intense wildfire season,\u201d said Armstrong, a former volunteer firefighter. \u201cThe state is committed to using every resource at our disposal to protect life and property in collaboration with our local and federal partners. Citizens can do their part by staying updated on fire conditions and taking precautions to prevent wildfires, because every fire that doesn\u2019t start is a fire we don\u2019t have to fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>Drought conditions and an early thaw are factors contributing to an earlier and longer-than-average spring fire season. Fires have already started throughout the state this spring and have proven active and difficult to suppress, including a fire Sunday near Menoken that burned approximately 1,200 acres and involved five fire departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under today\u2019s emergency declaration, all state agencies, including the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, North Dakota Forest Service, and North Dakota National Guard, are ordered to maintain high levels of readiness to combat fires to save lives, homes and communities. The Forest Service has already begun staging resources in Dickinson and Bismarck to assist local fire departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>This declaration allows the state to preposition resources for a rapid wildfire response given the high fire danger conditions that exist now and are expected to persist, and even worsen, through the spring until vegetation begins to green. The declaration is effective through May 31, unless extended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Dakotans can help prevent fires by taking the following actions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n