– State of North Dakota Battles Historic Wildfires

BISMARCK, N.D. – Local, state, tribal, and federal fire response continues through a historic fire situation in North Dakota, where damage includes one loss of life and another serious injury.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the deceased and offer our prayers and support for the critically injured individual as well as those who have lost their homes and property to these tragic fires,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “The state continues to utilize all resources at our disposal to assist local, tribal and federal agencies in safeguarding people, property and communities.”

Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, succumbed to critical injuries from fire in the Ray area. An additional individual with a critical injury has been transported for medical care, according to Williams County Emergency Management.

Crews on the ground saved the town of Mandaree as they fought through the night to contain the Bear Den fire, estimated to have burned over 25,000 acres.

As daylight broke, two National Guard Black Hawk helicopters took flight to join the firefighting teams on the ground at both the Bear Den fire near Mandaree and the Elkhorn fire near Grassy Butte.

“I’ve fought fires for 27 years across the nation, including international, and can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Fire Management Officer Ryan Melin of the North Dakota Forest Service. “Historic day, historic damage; unprecedented response.”

The State Emergency Operations Center has been running 24-hour operations since Friday to coordinate response efforts and fulfill requests in assisting the heroic work on the ground by county and tribal emergency managers, first responders, and fire fighters.

Yesterday crews struggled to control the size and scope of the flames through the wind and smoke. “This may go down in history as one of the worst combined fire situations in North Dakota history,” said North Dakota Adjutant General Mitch Johnson. “Yesterday we were on defense, but today we’re on offense.”

Assessment flights are ongoing today to better understand the status and scope of all wildfires. As of 10/6/2024 3:30PM:

Elkhorn Fire near Grassy Butte:

Size: estimated 12 miles long and 5 miles wide

Contained: 0% contained

Response: McKenzie County, Dunn County, North Dakota Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, North Dakota National Guard Black Hawks, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Initial Attack, North Dakota Highway Patrol

Injuries: None reported

Damage: Outbuilding lost, no primary structures reported lost

Bear Den Fire near Mandaree

Size: estimated 25,000 acres

Contained: 0% contained

Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services engine and two firefighters, Large Airtankers from Montana, North Dakota National Guard Red Card, North Dakota Highway Patrol

Injuries: none reported

Damage: reported two primary residences lost and numerous outbuildings lost

Ray / Alamo & Tioga Fires in Williams County

Size: Began as two fires merged into one, size unknown

Contained: 90% contained, actively fighting flare ups

Response: Williams County, Ward County, Divide County, Burke County, North Dakota Highway Patrol flight

Injuries: One fatality and one individual in critical condition

Damage: Downed power lines, damages being assessed

Arnegard Fire near Arnegard

Size: estimated 561 acres

Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished at 7 a.m.

Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol