North Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for North Dakota - August 21, 2026

Overview

North Dakota is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to intensifying drought conditions across the state, characterized by above-average temperatures, below-normal precipitation, and ground conditions that have rapidly shifted from green to tinder-dry. Over 56% of the state is currently experiencing drought, with 23% in extreme or severe drought. In response, a statewide fire emergency has been declared, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan and directing the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, Forest Service, and National Guard to maintain heightened readiness through December 1, 2026.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in North Dakota, and significant wildland fire activity is occurring across various counties. Firefighters and local fire departments are working to suppress these fires while staging resources in key areas like Bismarck and Dickinson to prepare for potential new starts.

Key Fires:

• Menoken Area Fire: This recent fire burned approximately 1,200 acres and required a multi-department response. It was fueled primarily by extremely dry grasses and prairie brush.
• Turtle Mountain Reservation Fires: Located in north-central North Dakota, these fires are burning in heavy timber. The dense timber fuel is holding significant heat, causing fire restarts and making suppression difficult. Ground crews and aerial surveys have identified multiple distinct columns and smokestacks in the area.
• Hanson Fire: Currently burning at approximately 40 acres.
• Smaller Starts: Several smaller fires, including the Wheel Fire, Twins Fire, and Cop 2 Fire, have ignited in recent days, underscoring the high probability of new starts across the dry landscape.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire danger, prescribed burning operations have been halted, and widespread burn bans have been implemented across local and tribal jurisdictions. Morton County has extended its countywide Fire Emergency and Burn Ban through December 31, 2026. Eddy, Burleigh, and several other counties have also instituted strict burn restrictions over the last 72 hours. Open burning of yard waste, brush, debris, and campfires is strictly prohibited. Violating a county burn ban is a Class B misdemeanor in North Dakota.
Air Quality: Smoke from the active wildfires, particularly the heavy timber fires near the Turtle Mountain Reservation, may intermittently impact local air quality and visibility. Residents in downwind areas should monitor local air quality indexes and limit outdoor activities if smoke becomes thick.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Critical fire weather conditions are present, particularly in western North Dakota, where poor overnight humidity recoveries are keeping fuels critically dry.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings remain a significant concern for much of western North Dakota over the next 72 hours. Westerly winds are expected to increase to 15 to 25 mph. Combined with the ongoing strong drying trend, warmer temperatures, and low humidity, these winds may rapidly fan flames and increase extreme fire behavior.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to strictly adhere to local burn bans and always "learn before you burn" by checking daily fire danger indexes. Burned brush piles can easily reignite with high winds, so careful monitoring of old piles is highly recommended. Additionally, residents should avoid driving vehicles over dry grass, as hot exhaust pipes can easily serve as an ignition source.
Resource Allocation: State agencies, including the North Dakota Forest Service and the National Guard, are actively coordinating with local and tribal jurisdictions. Resources are being staged strategically to combat fires quickly and protect lives, homes, and natural resources.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, fire danger indexes, and burn restrictions, residents can visit:
NDResponse (Burn Restrictions & Fire Danger): ndresponse.gov/burn
North Dakota Department of Emergency Services: www.des.nd.gov
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.