State agencies coordinate with local, tribal and federal resources to fight widespread wildfires in western ND
North Dakota state agencies are coordinating with local, federal and tribal firefighters and emergency responders to battle several large wildfires that spread quickly across western North Dakota over the weekend, driven by strong winds, dry ground conditions and low humidity.
“Strong winds and dry conditions are creating extremely challenging firefighting conditions, and the state continues to mobilize all available resources to assist local, tribal and federal agencies in protecting lives and property,” Burgum said. “We’re deeply grateful for the incredible heroics of the firefighters, emergency managers and others working around the clock to control and extinguish these blazes. The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we urge residents to remain vigilant and heed all evacuation orders and warnings.”
Several large wildfires were being fought in western North Dakota Saturday evening including near Grassy Butte, near Johnson’s corner along Highway 73 and near Mandaree. 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.
Those followed fires Friday night and early Saturday that burned thousands of acres including near Arnegard, Keene and Charlson.
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. The Bear Den Fire also destroyed two primary residences and numerous outbuildings.
“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. Burgum said.
As daylight broke Sunday, 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.
On Saturday, 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,” North Dakota Adjutant General Mitch Johnson said Sunday. “Yesterday we were on defense, but today we’re on offense.”
Under the authority provided by a statewide fire emergency declaration issued by Gov. Burgum on Thursday, the North Dakota Forest Service, North Dakota Department of Emergency Services and North Dakota National Guard mobilized resources to assist local, state and tribal firefighters.
The North Dakota Forest Service provided four fire engines with crews, plus another engine and crew from Kindred through a state wildland fire task force and an initial attack crew from New Mexico, to help fight multiple fires. More than two dozen National Guard firefighters also deployed Sunday morning, and the Department of Emergency Services deployed an engine with two firefighters.
The safety of citizens and first responders continues to be first priority, along with protecting communities, homes and property. This is an evolving situation, and more information will be published as it becomes available.
If you see smoke, call 911 right away. Lost or found cattle can be reported to the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association to cward@ndstockmen.org or jellingson@ndstockmen.org or by calling (701) 223-2522.
On Monday, Burgum will survey damage and ongoing response efforts with Johnson. For more information about current burn restrictions and fire danger maps, visit ndresponse.gov/burn.
Governor reaffirms support for Israel one year after Oct. 7 attacks; State Capitol lit in Israeli flag colors
Gov. Burgum issued a statement Sunday reaffirming North Dakota’s support for Israel as Monday, Oct. 7, marks the one-year anniversary of the hostage-taking and attacks on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. Burgum has directed the State Capitol to be lit in blue and white – the colors of the State of Israel’s official flag – Sunday and Monday night.
“North Dakota stands steadfast in our support of Israel and its people as they continue to fight a seven-front war to defend their homeland against brutal attacks by Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism,” Burgum said. “As we light the Capitol in blue and white in a show of solidarity with our democratic ally, we pray for the return of Israeli hostages and an end to this war that will allow all Israelis and Palestinians to finally live in peace.”
Burgum proclaimed last Oct. 23-28 as a Week of Prayer in Support of Israel, stating, “North Dakota expresses its vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security and survival of the State of Israel, and recognizes its right to act decisively in self-defense to protect its citizens.” The North Dakota Legislature overwhelmingly passed a resolution with similar language at the same time.
Burgum helps welcome veterans back from D.C. on Honor Flight
On Monday, Gov. Burgum helped welcome back to Bismarck more than 100 veterans who spent time in Washington, D.C., as part of the Western North Dakota Honor Flight.
Burgum joined the crowd of hundreds of people and other elected officials at the Bismarck Airport, thanking the veterans for their service as they returned home to family and friends.
The Western North Dakota Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that transports veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at the memorials. Crowds gather at the airport to properly welcome home the veterans and thank them for serving their country.
Burgum participates in grand opening of Southwest Area CTE Academy in Dickinson
Gov. Burgum joined local and state officials Thursday in a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Southwest Area CTE Academy (SWCTE) in Dickinson, one of 13 career academy projects across the state that received a total of $88 million approved by Burgum and the state Legislature in 2021.
"This project will transform education in southwest North Dakota by filling a gap in the education system here," Burgum said. "The versatility of career and technical education is more important than ever as technology changes every job, every industry, every institution."
The SWCTE offers 14 program areas of career and technical education, training students for in-demand careers and helping to address North Dakota’s workforce challenges. The academy is a partnership of seven high schools and Dickinson State University.
Miller attends grand opening for Turtle Mountain Recovery Center
On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller attended the grand opening of the Turtle Mountain Recovery Center in Belcourt.
The newly constructed building is a 16-bed facility focused on providing various levels of care for addiction and recovery. The facility will staff peer support specialists and case managers to assist with recovery services.
"The Turtle Mountain Recovery Center is a key addition to the arsenal in the fight against the disease of addiction," Miller said. "We’re grateful to the tribe for taking the lead on this project and bringing it to fruition."
Through strategic phased growth and expansion, they plan to provide recovery residences, an equine therapy center, confidence course, outdoor classrooms, sweat lodges and dance arena. The Center will eventually become a full-scale behavioral health care practice to also offer mental health services to the communities of the Turtle Mountain Reservation.
In September 2022, Gov. Burgum and First Lady Kathryn attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
NDDOT and Stark County celebrate completion of Eastern Bypass project in Dickinson
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and Stark County on Tuesday celebrated the completion of the Eastern Bypass project on 107th Avenue in Dickinson.
Gov. Burgum and other state and local officials were in attendance to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“This bypass in Dickinson is a great example of the local projects we aimed to accelerate when we established the Flexible Transportation Fund last year in collaboration with the state Legislature,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful for the partnership of Stark County on this piece of critical infrastructure, which will improve safety for motorists, enhance the movement of goods and support economic development.”
The $12.1 million paving project connects North Dakota Highway 22 to Stark County Highway 10. Additional safety features added include turning lanes and an acceleration for vehicles turning on to Highway 10.
“Our goal with this bypass project was to give motorists a safer and more efficient route,” said Al Heiser, Stark County road superintendent. “We are proud to partner with the governor and the state to improve our transportation system in Dickinson and Stark County.”
The Eastern Bypass project was one of 66 local projects selected for funding through the Flexible Transportation Fund. The NDDOT awarded $7.3 million of state funding for the bypass.
The program provided $222.5 million to the NDDOT for improvements to transportation infrastructure on and off the state highway system, including within townships, cities, counties, and tribal reservations. Total payout for local projects was approximately $84 million.
“There is a strong need for funding at the local level and the state will continue to look for ways to improve our transportation system,” said House Majority Leader Mike Lefor. “This program shows the commitment of the state legislature, governor and NDDOT to provide the funding needed to safely move people and goods.”
For more information about the Flexible Transportation Fund visit dot.nd.gov/flexfund.
2024 Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism Now Open
The North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is back, inviting residents to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition. This year’s contest is a partnership between the Governor's Office, AAA of North Dakota, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
“North Dakota is a state of extraordinary beauty and diverse experiences, and this photo contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase what makes our state special,” Gov. Burgum said. “We encourage everyone to participate, capture the magic of our seasons, and share their unique perspectives with the world. Let’s celebrate North Dakota’s beauty together and inspire others to discover our great state.”
This year's theme highlights North Dakota's diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
- Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
- Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
- Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
- Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, or Flickr, or by mail. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2025.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found at https://www.ndtourism.com/governors-photo-contest-entry.