32nd Avenue

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The 32nd Avenue Fire (also referred to in local dispatches as the North Dunseith Fire) was reported on May 3, 2026, at approximately 12:52 PM. It is located in the 9900 block of 33rd Ave NE, near Dunseith in Rolette County, North Dakota, roughly 14.8 miles north-northwest of Belcourt.
Size and Containment: Based on data over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 582 acres and is currently 50% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning primarily in 2.5-foot tall grass and timber (litter and understory). Recent incident updates indicate that the fire behavior is currently minimal and creeping, meaning it is not rapidly spreading or making significant runs at this time.
Containment Efforts: The Bureau of Indian Affairs - Turtle Mountain Agency (NDTMA) is the primary agency managing the incident. Firefighters have successfully secured half of the fire's perimeter. The estimated suppression cost to date is approximately $5,000.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: At this time, there is no public information indicating any mandatory evacuation orders for the 32nd Avenue Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings reported.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no active evacuations, no specific evacuation shelters have been established.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:
There is currently no information regarding road, infrastructure, or school closures caused by the 32nd Avenue Fire.

For more information, visit:

• North Dakota Response (ND Response)
• ND Wildland Fires Monitor
• Rolette County Official Website

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There is no information to suggest any injuries or fatalities associated with this incident.
Structures Impacted: There are no reports of structures damaged, destroyed, or currently threatened by the 32nd Avenue Fire.
School and Business Closures: No schools or local businesses have been reported closed due to the fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire is situated in a rural area, which has minimized its direct physical impact on densely populated communities and critical infrastructure.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should consult local Rolette County authorities or the ND Response burn ban map to check for any daily fire restrictions, as conditions can change rapidly.
Air Quality: While current fire behavior is minimal, localized smoke may still be present. Residents in the immediate vicinity with respiratory sensitivities should take standard precautions.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire already at 50% containment and exhibiting minimal, creeping behavior, firefighters are expected to continue making steady progress. Crews will likely focus on securing the remaining perimeter and mopping up interior hot spots over the coming days.
Weather and Wind Warnings: There are currently no extreme red flag warnings or severe wind events reported that would significantly exacerbate this specific fire's behavior. This favorable outlook is allowing crews to safely increase containment lines.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: Official incident reports indicate that the 32nd Avenue Fire is human-caused.
Weather and Climate: While dry spring conditions and local wind patterns can easily influence grass and timber fires in North Dakota, recent local weather conditions have allowed fire behavior to remain minimal. This has directly aided responders in achieving the 50% containment status.

For more information, visit:

• ND Response - Wildland Fires Monitor
• Bureau of Indian Affairs - Wildland Fire Management
• Rolette County Emergency Management