News Releases for May 2002
May 30, 2002
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Declares Fire Emergency for North Dakota
Fire Emergency Executive Order 
(147kb pdf)
Fire Emergency Proclamation (146kb pdf)
ND Rural Fire Danger Guide (23kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today proclaimed a statewide fire danger emergency. The proclamation was issued in response to a combination of extreme weather and dry conditions, which significantly increases the risk of wildfires.
In a second action today, Hoeven signed an executive order authorizing the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) to implement all necessary operational procedures on fire danger statements from the National Weather Service (NWS) to all lands, both public and private.
"The proclamation calls on North Dakotans to join in a partnership of private citizens and state and local agencies to reduce the danger of wildfires to people and property," Hoeven said. "Every North Dakotan is a critical component of the state's fire-fighting resources; every citizen can help to save lives and protect property. It is critical that we all report and use professional firefighters to respond to all fires."
In an effort to reduce the potential for fires in the state, residents are encouraged to take precautions outlined in the North Dakota Rural Fire Danger Guide available on the web at www.state.nd.us/dem/info/docs/fire-danger-guide.pdf.
The NWS issues the North Dakota rangeland fire danger statement each morning during the fire season. Information on current fire danger indexes is available through county sheriff's offices or the NWS web site at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/. Generally, setting outdoor fires will be restricted or banned when the NWS reports "Very High" or "Extreme" fire danger.
Additionally, citizens should be aware that causing a fire that burns out of control may result in liability for loss of life or property.
The proclamation and executive order will remain in effect until conditions warrant rescinding them, according to Hoeven.
"This is a prudent step in the process of preventing major wildfires in North Dakota," Hoeven said. "The situation requires immediate emergency action to minimize the effects of the extreme fires to the lives and the property of residents in North Dakota."
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