North Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for North Dakota - May 27, 2026

Overview

North Dakota is currently experiencing an elevated and dangerous fire risk driven by a prolonged spring fire season. This situation is the result of a lower-than-average winter snowpack combined with well-below-average spring precipitation, particularly across the western and northern parts of the state. These exceptionally dry conditions have rapidly cured fine fuels, leading to rapid wildfire spread. In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Doug Burgum has declared a statewide fire emergency.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, significant wildland fire activity has erupted, primarily in the western half of the state. Widespread high winds over the weekend, with gusts previously exceeding 75 mph, fueled explosive fire growth that triggered numerous evacuation orders and the opening of temporary shelters. Tragically, one fire-related fatality has been reported in the Ray area. Local, state, and federal agencies remain heavily committed to suppression and life-safety efforts.

Key Fires:

• Bear Den Fire: Ignited on May 23, this fire has burned an estimated 10,000 acres near the Fort Berthold Reservation. Evacuations and structure protection remain a priority.
• Elkhorn Fire: Also starting on May 23, this blaze has consumed an estimated 10,000 acres south of Watford City.
• Sprint Creek Fire: Ignited on the afternoon of May 23, this fire has burned an estimated 5,000 acres south of Watford City.

Note: Several other large wildfires are actively being fought in western North Dakota, including incidents near Grassy Butte, Johnson's corner along Highway 73, and near the community of Mandaree. These fires are primarily being fed by critically dry grasses, rangeland, and agricultural vegetation.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire danger, routine prescribed burning has been suspended. Widespread burn restrictions and bans have been enacted across multiple counties, including Williams and Divide counties. During Red Flag Warnings or when the Fire Danger Rating is "Very High" or "Extreme," all controlled burns, campfires, and unnecessary off-road motorized travel in dry vegetation are strictly prohibited.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Temperatures are soaring into the 90s across most of the state today. While the western half of the state remains critically dry, spiking humidity in the east may push heat indexes near 100 degrees, alongside a risk of isolated severe thunderstorms and hail in southeast North Dakota.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for central and western North Dakota, particularly along the Montana border. Sustained winds of up to 30 mph, with gusts into the 40s, are expected to persist, keeping the critical fire risk elevated throughout the day.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant regarding fire traffic and strictly adhere to any local evacuation orders. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of structural ignition. Always check the North Dakota Fire Declarations and Burn Restrictions Map daily before engaging in any outdoor activities.
Resource Allocation: The state has mobilized significant resources to combat these fires. The North Dakota Forest Service has deployed multiple engines and crews, while the North Dakota National Guard has activated UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for aerial water drops, alongside more than two dozen National Guard firefighters. Additionally, heavy air tankers from Montana have been dropping fire retardant, and heavy equipment is cutting fire lines to protect communities.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, fire declarations, and burn restrictions, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
North Dakota Response (NDResponse): ndresponse.gov
North Dakota Fire Declarations and Burn Restrictions Map: ndresponse.gov/firemonitor

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.