North Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for North Dakota - May 20, 2026

Overview

North Dakota is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a prolonged spring fire season driven by lower-than-average winter snowpack combined with well-below-average spring precipitation, especially across the western and northern parts of the state. The Williston area recently recorded its 10th driest April in 131 years of National Weather Service records. Cool mornings and dry conditions are slowing the spring "green up," which is a key indicator of elevated wildfire risk.
The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 2.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in North Dakota, and state and local agencies remain on high alert. The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services continues to host Fire Readiness Level calls alongside multiple partners, including the North Dakota Forest Service, National Weather Service, and the National Guard. Engines and personnel are prepositioned throughout the state as conditions warrant to respond rapidly to local requests for mutual aid.

Key Fires:
Dunseith Area Fires: Located in the Turtle Mountains, the North Dakota Forest Service has been on an extended deployment assisting with these fires. Due to extreme dryness, fire officials observed the fire crowning through deciduous trees. This is an unusual and intense fire behavior for this specific hardwood fuel type, indicating severe drought conditions.

Wood House Fire: Ignited on May 7, this fire has burned approximately 40 acres and continues to be monitored by local responders.

Eagles Nest Fire: Started on May 11, this wildfire has burned 33 acres in open terrain.

Lone Buffalo Fire: Ignited on May 7, this fire has burned approximately 11 acres.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Multiple counties across North Dakota—including Walsh, Mercer, Cass, and Williams counties—have enacted fire emergencies and burn restrictions due to the abundant dry vegetation and ongoing hot, dry, and windy weather conditions. These burn bans are strictly enforced when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is classified as High, Very High, or Extreme, or when a Red Flag Warning is issued. Controlled devices (such as gas grills) on hard, non-organic surfaces are generally excluded from the bans.
Air Quality: High winds have caused blowing dirt and dust from severe drought areas, creating air quality alerts in portions of northwestern North Dakota and neighboring regions over the last 72 hours. Residents should be aware of reduced visibility and potential respiratory impacts.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Very warm, dry, and windy weather is leading to elevated fire weather conditions. Afternoon relative humidity values have dropped into the 10 to 25 percent range across the region, making for very dry conditions.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings have been issued for much of the state and neighboring regions over the past several days, and critical fire weather conditions are expected to persist. Strong winds, with gusts that have reached up to 50 to 65 mph in some areas, combined with low humidity, mean any fires that start could spread quickly and be hard to control.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: With May being Wildfire Awareness Month, residents are urged to take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire. Always check current fire danger and expected fire weather conditions, and follow any local burn restrictions. Stay with burn piles until totally extinguished, stay off dry grass when driving a vehicle to prevent hot exhaust pipes from igniting fires, ensure tow chains do not drag, and properly dispose of cigarettes.
Resource Allocation: Agencies are actively coordinating response efforts. The North Dakota Forest Service and National Guard have prepositioned engines and personnel throughout the state to respond to local requests for aid.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
North Dakota Response: ndresponse.gov/burn

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.