WILLISTON, N.D. – Governor Burgum is ordering North Dakota National Guard troops and airmen to help fight the wildfires burning in the western part of the state.
They are joining others groups, including crews from the Forest Service and county fire departments at the Bear Den Fire near Mandaree. That fire was reported to be over 25,000 acres and has destroyed at least two home and multiple outbuildings.
The guard will help with digging a handline and conducting controlled burns.
Multiple fires broke out over the weekend across western North Dakota and one person has been killed.
A fire about one-quarter mile east of Ray killed a 26-year-old man from South Africa. A second person was taken to a hospital for critical injuries.
It’s estimated that as many as 40 wildfires have burned around 50-thousand acres.
Meanwhile,
BISMARCK, N.D. – Governor Doug Burgum is praising firefighters, the National Guard and all involved in battling the wildfires.
During a press conference in Watford City on Monday, Burgum said “the amount of property that has been saved is just incredible.”
Burgum visited affected areas and made stops in Tioga and Watford City.
North Dakota Agricultural Commissioner Doug Goehring said there are some people who have lost almost everything and many that have lost a lot, and they cannot be forgotten.
Goehring announced that the Department of Agriculture has activated its Hay Hotline at (701) 328-5110 to provide relief to ranchers.
