North Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for North Dakota - May 07, 2026

Overview

North Dakota is currently experiencing an elevated spring wildfire risk, prompting Governor Doug Burgum to declare a statewide fire emergency. The state is battling multiple active wildfires, primarily in the western half, driven by extreme to moderate drought conditions, abundant dry vegetation, and recent widespread high winds. These volatile conditions have led to numerous evacuations and, tragically, one fire-related fatality. State, local, and federal resources, including the North Dakota National Guard, are heavily committed to suppression efforts across the region.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, significant wildland fire activity has occurred, requiring extensive multi-agency support. The North Dakota Forest Service has deployed multiple engines and crews, supported by North Dakota National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and heavy air tankers from Montana. Firefighters are actively cutting fire lines and performing water drops to protect local communities and infrastructure.

Key Fires:

• Bear Den Fire: Located near the Fort Berthold Reservation, this fire ignited over the weekend and has burned an estimated 10,000 acres. It is primarily fueled by abundant dry natural vegetation and dead ground fuels. Bulldozers and motor graders are actively cutting fire lines near the community of Mandaree. On the eastern flank near the Little Missouri River, the North Dakota National Guard is utilizing helicopters for water drops to help contain the blaze.
• Elkhorn Fire: Burning south of Watford City, this fire has also reached an estimated 10,000 acres. Driven by recent high winds and dry prairie fuels, it has required significant suppression efforts from local and state responders.
• Henryville Fire: A smaller incident located in Rolette County, currently estimated at 5 acres.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
To reduce future wildfire risks and enhance wildlife habitat, the National Park Service has scheduled prescribed fires on federal lands at the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in Mercer County. These operations are planned to start in early May and continue through mid-June as environmental conditions allow. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas.

Burn Bans: Due to the severe fire danger, numerous counties have enacted strict burn restrictions. The Mercer County Commission recently adopted a full-scale burn ban. Cass, Williams, Emmons, and McLean counties also have active burn restrictions in place. These bans prohibit open burning, including campfires, garbage burning, and agricultural burning, whenever the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is High, Very High, or Extreme, or during a Red Flag Warning.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Critical fire conditions were exacerbated by widespread high winds over the weekend, with multiple sites recording wind gusts above 75 mph. Fortunately, winds are expected to remain lighter through the remainder of the week, providing firefighters a crucial window to establish containment lines.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued Red Flag Warnings for most of western and central North Dakota over the past 72 hours. The region is experiencing warm, dry conditions ahead of approaching cold fronts, with relative humidity dropping as low as 15 to 25 percent. When active, westerly winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph can cause any ignited fires to spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to adhere to all local burn bans and avoid any activities that could spark a fire. It is crucial to have an emergency evacuation plan in place and to stay mindful of fire traffic, road closures, and potential smoke impacts.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions. Local, state, and federal resources are collaborating on suppression activities around the perimeters of the major fires, utilizing both ground crews and aviation assets.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, burn restriction details, and daily fire danger ratings, residents can visit:
NDResponse: ndresponse.gov
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.