North Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for North Dakota - April 16, 2026

Overview

North Dakota is currently experiencing an elevated spring wildfire risk, prompting Governor Doug Burgum to declare a statewide fire emergency. The combination of Extreme to Moderate Drought intensity in the western half of the state, dead ground vegetation, dry prairie grasses, and recent high winds has created a highly volatile environment for fire spread. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while overall national fire activity is relatively light, there has been a notable increase in fire activity in the Great Plains region, prompting an elevated level of coordination.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: The state's forest service is fighting multiple large wildfires, primarily in the western half of the state. These fast-moving fires have triggered numerous evacuations, opened temporary shelters for displaced residents, and tragically resulted in at least one fatality and critical injuries to another individual. Local, state, and federal resources are working together on suppression activities to protect lives and property.

Key Fires:

• Bear Den Fire: Started on Saturday morning and has burned an estimated 10,000 acres near the Fort Berthold Reservation. On the east side of the fire, near the Little Missouri River, the North Dakota National Guard is utilizing a helicopter to perform water drops. Two hand crews are also en route to assist with perimeter suppression. The fire is primarily fueled by dry prairie grasses and dead ground vegetation left over from the winter.
• Elkhorn Fire: Ignited Saturday evening and has burned an estimated 10,000 acres south of Watford City. The fire's rapid spread was heavily driven by dry vegetation and extreme wind gusts.
• Sprint Creek Fire: Started Saturday afternoon and has burned an estimated 5,000 acres, also located south of Watford City.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Theodore Roosevelt National Park conducted prescribed burning operations in the South Unit of the park over the weekend of April 10 and 11. These prescribed fires are carefully managed to clear invasive vegetation, promote native prairie restoration, reduce hazardous fuel loads, and create fuel breaks that help slow or stop potential wildfires.
Air Quality: Significant smoke from the active wildfires and recent prescribed burns in Theodore Roosevelt National Park may be present in the vicinity of the burn areas, including along Interstate 94, East River Road, Cottonwood Campground, and Peaceful Valley Ranch. Residents and travelers in these areas should use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Critical fire conditions that fueled the weekend's explosive fire growth have subsided. Widespread high winds impacted the region over the weekend, with multiple sites seeing wind gusts above 75 mph, prompting Red Flag and High Wind Warnings.
Forecasted Weather: The weather has since calmed, and the pause in fire-spreading weather will help firefighters get a foothold on the wildfires. Winds are expected to remain light through this week. However, residents should remain vigilant as dry conditions and low humidity persist.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Due to severe spring conditions, 23 of North Dakota's 53 counties have enacted strict burn bans, including Cass, Burleigh, and Williams counties. These restrictions prohibit all open burning, including campfires, controlled burns, agricultural burning, and garbage burning when the Fire Danger Rating is High, Very High, or Extreme, or during a Red Flag Warning. Violations are considered a Class B misdemeanor. Residents are urged to check daily fire danger ratings before any outdoor activities.
Resource Allocation: The North Dakota Forest Service has deployed multiple engines and crews to the fires. The North Dakota National Guard has provided UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and more than two dozen firefighters. Additionally, heavy air tankers from Montana have dropped fire retardant, and bulldozers and motor graders are cutting fire lines near threatened communities like Mandaree.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, burn restrictions, and daily fire danger ratings, residents can visit:
North Dakota Response (Burn Restrictions & Fire Danger Maps): ndresponse.gov/burn
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.