News Releases for September 2004
September 2, 2004
Contact: Colleen Reinke, Information Officer, Deep Creek Fire, (701) 225-5151
Hoeven Proclaims Fire Emergency For North Dakota
Fire Emergency For North Dakota Proclamation 
(136 kb pdf)
Executive Order 2004-08 (136 kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today proclaimed a fire emergency for the state of North Dakota as firefighters battle the Deep Creek Fire in Slope County, which is rapidly expanding in size, accelerated by high winds and heavy underbrush. Reports from local, state and federal firefighters indicate there is a potential for this fire to double in size.
Currently the most critical fire danger area is the 11-county, southwestern quarter of the state surrounding the Deep Creek Fire, but residents of all counties should be alert to the daily fire danger index to note restrictions on certain activities in specific areas of the state.
The aggressive Deep Creek Fire started Wednesday and had expanded by this morning to 4,000 acres, measuring eight miles long and one mile wide. “Our first priority is firefighter and public safety,” Hoeven said. “We’ve activated a number of state resources already, and additional resources stand by ready to assist as needed.”
The volatile, dangerous fire conditions are typical of what we can expect for the remainder of the summer and into the fall, according to Mike Santucci, North Dakota Forest Service (NDFS) Fire Coordinator. Extended drought conditions in the southwest portion of our state have left all fire fuels in extremely dry, dangerous conditions.
Doug Friez, State Director of the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management (NDDEM), stressed there is some potential for fire throughout the state, as indicated by numerous fire reports received by the State Operations Center. “We’re encouraging all North Dakotans to enjoy this last holiday weekend of the season, but because of volatile conditions in some parts of the state, they need to be extremely cautious and minimize fire danger potential,” Friez said.
In response to conditions, the state has taken the following measures:
- Activated the State Operations Center and Communication Center, which are being staffed by the Governor’s Office, the NDFS and NDDEM;
- Activated the State Fire Marshal;
- Deployed NDFS equipment and personnel to the scene to assist with monitoring and fire management; and
- Deployed North Dakota Highway Patrol to assess local law enforcement needs.
Also, on standby and available to assist on scene and with other fires that may occur are: North Dakota Department of Transportation; Game and Fish Department; National Guard, State Land Department; and Parks and Recreation Department.
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.
Fire conditions will be variable on a day-to-day basis, requiring all citizens and land users to pay attention to daily weather conditions and fire danger warnings. 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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