News Releases for August 2003
August 8, 2003
Contact: Jon Haugen, (701) 333-2006 (701) 220-8769
Governor Hoeven Declares Fire Emergency
Executive Order 
(146 kb pdf)
Fire Proclamation (160 kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today declared a fire danger emergency for western and southwestern North Dakota in response to a combination of extreme weather and dry conditions, which significantly increases the risk of wildfires.
The Governor directed the N.D. Division of Emergency Management and the N.D. State Forest Service to implement all necessary operational procedures on fire danger statements issued by 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 federal, state, tribal 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.”
In cooperation with the state of North Dakota, the US Forest Service has joined in issuing restrictions on the Little Missouri and Cedar River National Grasslands in western North Dakota and the Grand River National Grasslands in northwest South Dakota.
“I’m pleased to coordinate our efforts and resources with other government entities to implement effective fire awareness and prevention activities,” said Grasslands Supervisor Dave Pieper of the United States Forest Service office in Bismarck.
Counties affected by the emergency proclamation are Adams, Billings, Bowman, Burleigh, Dunn, Emmons, Grant, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Mercer, McKenzie, Morton, Oliver, Sioux, Slope, Stark and Williams.
“Fuel moisture levels are at a record low and energy release component levels are high, which means the potential for a catastrophic fire to start easily from any source and grow quickly out of control is a major concern,” said Mike Santucci, Fire Management Coordinator for the North Dakota State Forest Service. “The current conditions are comparative to when the Kraft Complex, a 30,000-acre fire, occurred in July of 2002 in Sioux and Grant counties.”
“Our rural fire departments are doing an outstanding job. They could, however, get overwhelmed in these conditions,” said Hoeven. “Thus everyone needs to do everything they can to prevent fires during these critical conditions.”
Concurrent with the proclamation, stage one fire restrictions have been implemented on the Cedar River, Grand River and the Little Missouri National Grasslands by the U.S. Forest Service. The restrictions apply to campfires, smoking and other open burning.
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 or contact local fire officials or local U.S. Forest Service ranger district.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues the North Dakota Rangeland (rural) Fire Danger index statement each morning during the fire season. Information on the current fire danger index is available through county sheriffs’ offices or the NWS web site. Generally, setting outdoor fires will be restricted or banned when the NWS reports “very high” or “extreme” fire danger.
E-mail comments to the Governor
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