By Joe Skurzewski, Emmeline Ivy, Jacob Morse, Ariana Gonzalez, Linnette Miner and KFYR Staff
Published: Oct. 5, 2024 at 10:47 AM CDT|Updated: Oct. 6, 2024 at 12:03 AM CDT
(KFYR) - Use the arrows to scroll through the photos above we have received of the fires in Williams, McKenzie, Dunn, McLean and McIntosh counties.
You can submit photos through SkySpy Photos and view previous submissions here.
Continuing Coverage:
- North Dakota battles historic wildfires; latest on status and scope of all fires
Coverage from Tuesday, Oct. 8:
- UPDATE: 90,000 acres burned, 2 fatalities in Williams County as a result of weekend fires
- Sites taking donations for fire victims
- Fire victim thanks community for support
- Mandaree school district international teachers temporarily evacuated, back at housing
- Watford City teen recovering from head injury while protecting family’s ranch from fires
- McKenzie County road closures
- Cramer and Hoeven’s statements on the ND fires
Coverage from Monday, Oct. 7:
- South African farmhand dies during fire in Ray
- ‘An outpour of support’: Mandaree community rallies together amid historic fire
- Tioga-area rancher shares effects of fires
- Oil companies send water tankers out to help with fires
- Burgum, officials hold press conference on devastating wildfires
- National Guard soldiers and airmen aid wildfire efforts
- Organizations providing aid to agriculture producers amid fires
- Days into fighting the wildfire, officials worry about fatigue affecting responders’ health
- Weekend conditions put farmers’ harvesting at risk
- Regional Co-Ops work together to restore power to western North Dakota
- Ray fire chief recounts weekend efforts to protect town from flames
- Helicopters, airplanes help with firefighting efforts near Watford City
- Burgum gives press conference on ND fires
Coverage from Sunday, Oct. 6:
- Residents react as wildfires torch Williams County
- Former Mandaree resident watches fires from afar
- ‘Not out of the woods yet’: Watford City area ranchers closely monitoring wildfires
- North Dakota Stockmen’s Association working to compile resources for ranchers affected by fires
- One person dead, another critically injured in Williams County fire
- ND National Guard heads northwest to fight fires
UPDATE (10/8/24 at 4 p.m.): According to NDresponse.gov, here are the latest fire updates as of 3:50 p.m. Tuesday:
- The Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City:
- Size: Estimated 28,434 acres
- Contained: About 50%
- 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
- The Bear Den Fire near Mandaree:
- Size: Estimated 11,746 acres
- Contained: About 30%
- 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: Two houses and many outbuildings have been lost
- Ray, Alamo and Tioga fires in Williams County:
- Size: Began as two fires merged into one, estimated 88,934 acres
- Contained: 99%, actively fighting flare-ups
- Response: Williams County, Ward County, Divide County, Burke County, North Dakota Highway Patrol flight
- Injuries: Two fatalities and eight injuries
- Damage: Downed power lines, damages being assessed
- Arnegard Fire near Arnegard:
- Size: Estimated 561 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmet:
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100%, watching for hotspots. It was stopped 1 mile from Garrison.
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: None reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson:
- Size: Estimated 6,000 acres
- Contained: 100%, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: None reported
- Damage: Power lines down, no additional damages reported
UPDATE (10/7/24 at 9:30 p.m.): The state of North Dakota launched a one-stop-shop website with resources for wildlife recovery.
It includes ag resources such as extensions, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, USDA, the hay hotline, and other agencies.
It also has contacts for well-being resources such as the Red Cross, and mental health crisis care.
Here is a link to the website: Wildfire Recovery | ND Response.
UPDATE (10/7/24 at 2:15 p.m.): The following is the status of the largest fires as of 2:09 p.m. Monday.
- Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City
- Size: estimated 28,434
- Contained: 20% 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 11,746 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. 373 without power
- Arnegard Fire near Arnegard
- Size: estimated 561 acres
- Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmet
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100% contained, watching for hotspots. Was stopped 1 mile from Garrison
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: none reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson
- Size: estimated 2 miles wide
- Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: power lines down, no additional damages reported
UPDATE (10/7/24 at 10:10 a.m.): The Elk Horn Fire south of Watford City has burned roughly 22,400 fires and is roughly 20% contained, as of 8:30 a.m. Monday, according to the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said crews are working on hot spots and focusing on the edges of the fire to slow the growth and spread of this fire.
They are hoping the cooler temperatures and low winds will assist with fire suppression efforts.
The sheriff’s office plans to have another briefing early Monday evening
UPDATE (10/6/24 at 9 p.m.): On Sunday night, FEMA authorized federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Bear Den Fire and the Elk Horn Fire, burning in McKenzie County and on the Fort Berthold Reservation.
FEMA Region 8 Deputy Administrator Katherine Fox approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for each fire after determining that the fire’s potential destruction would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Bear Den Fire was threatening 100 primary and 500 other structures near Mandaree. The fire is also threatening buildings, infrastructure, utilities, equipment, and a watershed in the area. The fire has burned more than 15,000 acres of state, tribal and private land. It is zero percent contained.
At the time of the request, the Elk Horn Fire was threatening 20 primary homes near Watford City, North Dakota, as well as buildings, infrastructure, utilities, equipment and oil infrastructure in the area. The fire has burned more than 11,000 acres of private and federal land. It is zero percent contained.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 8:45 p.m.): Gov. Doug Burgum on Monday will survey the damage and ongoing response efforts to historic wildfires in western North Dakota with the adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson.
After an aerial tour of wildfires in the Mandaree and Ray areas, Burgum will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. CDT at the McKenzie County Courthouse in Watford City with county Emergency Manager Karolin Jappe and other officials.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 6 p.m.): Williston Fire assisted other emergency agencies in helping transport burn victims or those critically injured, in the ongoing fires in western North Dakota.
The Williston Fire Department (WFD) said they were dispatched shortly before 5:45 p.m. Saturday to provide support to Ray Ambulance to transport a burn victim to the hospital in Williston.
Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, WFD was called again to Ray to help transport another victim, and shortly before 7:30 p.m. was asked to provide ambulance standby for the incident.
The department said 19 firefighters responded.
Williston Fire also provided aid to McKenzie County through an ambulance to transport a critically injured person from Watford City to Minot for treatment.
The department said it responded to 16 calls for service in its primary response area.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 3:30 p.m.): Assessment flights are ongoing on Sunday to better understand the status and scope of all wildfires. This update is as of 3:30 p.m. Sunday:
- Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City:
- 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 LandManagement, 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 were 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. Sunday
- Response: McKenzie County, Williams County, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: outbuildings and vehicles
- Garrison Fire near Emmit:
- Size: Estimated 830 acres
- Contained: 100% contained, watching for hotspots. Was stopped one mile from Garrison
- Response: Fort Berthold, McLean County, Mountrail County, North Dakota Forest Service
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: none reported
- Charlson Fire near Charlson:
- Size: estimated 2 miles wide
- Contained: 100% contained, determined extinguished 2 a.m. Sunday
- Response: Three Affiliated Tribes, McKenzie County, North Dakota Forest Service, Highway Patrol
- Injuries: none reported
- Damage: power lines down, no additional damages reported
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 3 p.m.): 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 a 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 South of Watford City.
“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 Manager Ryan Melin of the North Dakota Forest Service.
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 firefighters.
On Friday, 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.”
The Governor and General Johnson plan to tour the fire-damaged areas on Monday, October 7. Further details will be forthcoming.
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 at cward@ndstockman.org or jellingson@ndstockmen.org or by calling 701-223-2522.
Further Safety Information:
Unfortunately, dry conditions are expected to continue into the fall months and will provide ample fuel for wildfire. That means we all must continue to be vigilant, especially in our rural communities.
- Remember to follow burn restrictions. Additionally, fires should not be started on days with a Red Flag Warning, which is when warm temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds are forecasted to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. Current conditions and information can be found at https://NDResponse.gov/burn
- Use caution with outdoor equipment of any kind. While pulling a camper, boat or trailer, remember to cross your tow chains. Never park on tall, dry grass.
- Make sure to dispose of cigarettes properly.
- If you are in an area that allows recreational fires, never leave them unattended and be sure to put them out completely.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 2:21 p.m.): According to the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, the fire located south of Watford City has burned roughly 10,000 acres of land.
The fire began in Elkhorn on Saturday, about eight miles south and five miles east of Watford City. It says that the strong winds have made the fight to suppress the fire difficult. With better weather conditions on Sunday, the North Dakota National Guard is using a helicopter to perform water drops. Local, state, and federal resources are working together to suppress the fire. Two hand crews are on their way to the incident.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 1:15 p.m.): As of 12:30 p.m. Sunday there are just over 1,100 customers or members without power in North Dakota, according to poweroutage.us.
The brunt of the remaining outages are in McKenzie, Williams and Emmons Counties.
According to the map, roughly 630 Mountrail-Williams members in Williams County were still without power, while just under 130 McKenzie Electric members in McKenzie County were without. Just under 200 KEM Electric members in Emmons County did not have power.
At its peak, roughly 7,000 customers were without power in North Dakota on Saturday evening.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 12:27 p.m.): More than eighteen local and regional agencies have been involved in the emergency response to large area grass fires in eastern Williams County on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, 2024. As of 11 a.m. on Oct. 6, 2024, a large fire is still burning south of Highway 2 between Ray and Tioga, and first responders are continuing to respond to hotspots. Highway 2 is open and passable, but drivers should use caution and be aware of down power lines and poles.
First responders have reported one death and one critical injury to the Williams County Emergency Operations Center as a result of the fires.
Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, succumbed to critical injuries from a fire in the Ray area. An additional individual with a critical injury has been transported for medical care.
The extent of property damage is still being assessed. Williams County/Williston Emergency Management and the ND Highway Patrol are utilizing aircraft to survey the affected areas and determine the size and scope of impact.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 11:48 a.m.): According to the North Dakota National Guard, two Blackhawk helicopters were sent out Sunday morning, as well as 27 Soldiers and Airmen who are qualified for wildfire operations, to western ND to support in the firefight. They left Bismarck earlier Sunday morning.
UPDATE (10/6/2024 at 10:57 a.m.):
Ashley
Ashley Fire Chief Link Golz says the fire department was called about a fire at around 2 p.m. Saturday.
The fire began in a harvested bean field a mile and a half west and a mile south of Ashley and spread into an unharvested corn field. There were no known injuries or damages, and the cause of the fire is still undetermined.
The fire was under control at around 5:00 p.m. Saturday. Golz says the fire burned about 80 acres of land.
Arnegard/Watford City/Mandaree
McKenzie County Emergency Manager Karolin Jappe says the fire located south of Watford City is still active.
According to Jappe, Mandaree is currently waiting for state resources and Arnegard’s fire rekindled. She is heading over to Keene to see what the situation looks like.
There have been no known injuries so far at the McKenzie County fires.
UPDATE (10/6/24 at 8:45 a.m.):
Arnegard
We’re learning more information about a fire near Arnegard on Saturday.
Fire Chief Rick Schreiber said the fire burned 561 total acres and was caused by downed power lines.
He said one structure was lost, including outbuildings and chicken coops, as well as three vehicles, including a semi and three semi-trailers.
Schreiber said some houses sustained damage.
At one time there were eight fire departments involved in the response.
Schreiber said there were no fatalities or major injuries.
The fire was declared out as of 7 a.m. Sunday.
Four Bears / Mandaree
The Four Bears Segment of the Three Affiliated Tribes posted that, as of midnight, fires in the segment had been contained, and residents in evacuated areas could return to their homes. The Johnny Bird Memorial building would remain open for those in Mandaree impacted.
McKenzie County
The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office posted shortly before midnight in an effort to dispel rumors of evacuations in Watford City. The MCSO said they were not evacuating Watford City, and at the time there were no concerns about safety in the city pertaining to the fires, though residents were at liberty to leave for the evening if they wished.
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 10 p.m.): Full update from our Saturday 10 p.m. newscast:
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 9:42 p.m.): A fire that broke out near Garrison is now under control, according to McLean County Emergency Manager Noelle Kroll.
Kroll said the call came in around 11:45 a.m. Saturday for a fire that started about eight to ten miles west of Garrison and a couple of miles north. Kroll said the fire was under control around 8:20 p.m. Unofficially, roughly 830 acres were burned. No one was injured and the cause is still unknown.
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 8:56 p.m.): A mandatory evacuation was issued for part of the west segment area of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The area impacted involves Highway 22 milepost 148 south to milepost 138 and one mile on both sides of the highway.
The MHA Emergency Operations Center says the fire started near the Bears Den area Saturday afternoon. It says this area does not include Mandaree proper itself but tells residents to take whatever precautions they deem necessary for their households. According to the MHA Emergency Operations Center, these are the preferred Fire Evacuation Locations in order:
- Mandaree:
- First Location: Water Chief Hall
- Second Location: EMS/Fire Station, Point of Contact: Lisa DeVille (701-421-8020)
- New Town:
- First Location: Northern Lights Wellness Center, Point of Contact: Nathaniel Mayer (701-421-8219) or Jena Baker (701-421-6877). Pets are welcome on leash with strict supervision.
- Second Location: Johnny Bird, Four Bears Village, Point of Contact: Kennedy Janis (701-421-2478) or Stacey Red Fox (701-421-8277). Pets are welcome on leash with strict supervision.
- Horses: Healing Horse Ranch, Point of contact: Don Charging (701-315-0020). Horses can be put in the indoor arena.
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 8:45 p.m.): Dunn County officials say four fires burned across the county Saturday. Emergency Manager Sarah Duttenhefner said one fire occurred south of Halliday, two more broke out to the north of Halliday and the fourth is the fire that spans from McKenzie County into Dunn County. She says the Halliday Fire Department has extinguished the three fires contained in Dunn County. She confirmed there were no known injuries. However, one of the fires damaged a water tank.
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 8:02 p.m.): According to Williams County Emergency Management, there are two confirmed active fires in the county. One of our Facebook followers and residents of Ray, Natalie Martinez, said, “The fire started northwest of Ray, split in two, then ended up jumping the highway. It is currently still growing. The wind is slowly dying down. Farmers are all out trying to help save homes and free cattle.”
Updates on the fires in Williams County: Portion of Highway 2 closed in Williams County due to fires as of Saturday evening
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 6:46 p.m.): According to Karolin Jappe, emergency manager for McKenzie County, and Nathan Rivard, public affairs officer for the National Guard, the North Dakota National Guard is possibly being deployed to the fires in McKenzie County. They did not plan to send aircraft Saturday night, but possibly Sunday morning.
UPDATE (10/5/24 at 5:59 p.m.): McLean County Emergency Manager Noelle Kroll says the fire west of Garrison is still ongoing.
She says there are multiple departments on the scene, including help from farmers with tractors and disks to help control the fire.
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 5:03 p.m.): Burlington Rural Fire Chief Karter Lesmann said he is sending three firefighters and a command truck to Watford City to provide mutual aid.
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 3:00 p.m.): According to the McKenzie County Emergency Manager, first responders were dispatched at around 2 p.m. Saturday to a fire south of Watford City. The area was on fire previously Friday night and was put out. It restarted on Saturday.
UPDATE (10/5/2024 at 12:30 p.m.): Fire units about two to three miles north of Arnegard were able to contain a roughly 1,000-acre fire Saturday morning.
McKenzie County Fire Chief Rick Schreiber said they got the call around 2 a.m.
He said when they arrived on the scene, they were dealing with wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour. He said the fire spread incredibly fast, moving toward an industrial area with homes and shops.
He said this prompted officials to issue an evacuation order for residents, headed by the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office.
Schreiber said about 80-100 people evacuated overnight.
He said the fire was caused by a high voltage overhead power line falling due to high winds.
No structures were lost, with the exception of some outbuildings and chicken coops.
At least one semi-trailer, one car and multiple buildings sustained heat or fire damage.
No one was injured.
Schreiber said fire units from at least eight stations, road and blade crews and local farmers and ranchers were on scene assisting.
The fire is now contained as crews continue putting out hot spots.
The evacuation order was dropped at 8:50 a.m.
While working the fire just north of Arnegard, Schreiber said he started diverting incoming units out to Keene for another reported fire around 5 a.m.
Badlands Search & Rescue Service has been posting updates regarding that fire on its Facebook page.
McKenzie County Emergency Manager Karolin Jappe also confirmed a third fire outbreak in the southeast corner of McKenzie County tracking mostly into Dunn County.
Your News Leader has reached out to the McKenzie County and Dunn County emergency managers and will keep you updated as we learn more.
ORIGINAL STORY (10/5/2024 at 10:45 a.m.): Fire crews have been battling a series of fires in western North Dakota Friday night into Saturday, primarily in McKenzie County, as high winds aggravate the situation.
Crews are fighting a fire north of Arnegard that prompted a temporary evacuation order for the area. The order has since been lifted but residents had to check in with authorities at the Arnegard City Hall before returning, according to the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office.
We’ve also received reports of a fire northeast of Keene. The MHA Emergency Operations Center also posted that tribal fire crews have been working to contain a fire in the Four Bears area.
Firefighters are facing challenges of 50-75 mile-per-hour winds in some parts of the viewing area.
You can track warnings and advisories here.
This is a developing story. Stay with Your News Leader for updates.
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