News Releases for June 2006
June 30, 2006
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Hoeven Declares Fire Emergency For North Dakota
Executive Order 2006-06 
(94kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today declared a statewide rural fire emergency. The executive order applies statewide, but according to the county by county fire danger index, restrictions apply only to counties in either the “Very High” or “Extreme” fire danger categories. Currently, that is south central and southwestern North Dakota, but may change based on conditions.
The order was issued in response to dry conditions and a heavy vegetative fuel load, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires. Abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions exist across much of south central and southwestern North Dakota and may continue to expand in area throughout the summer, based on forecasts by the National Weather Service (NWS).
“This is a reasonable and necessary step to reduce the danger of wildfires and to protect lives and property,” Hoeven said. “The best way to reduce the dangers of fire is to be prepared, and to take steps to prevent them from starting in the first place.”
Mitigation procedures are keyed to the National Weather Service’s Rural Fire Danger Index, which is posted daily and reflects the immediate level of fire risk. “Very High” or “Extreme” designations trigger a series of specific restrictions on open burning, off-road motorized travel, smoking, fireworks and equipment operations at farms and industry locations. The North Dakota Rural Fire Danger Guide, which explains each level, is available online at www.nd.gov/des/info/docs/fire-danger-guide.pdf.
Individual county restrictions, including fire bans, may be more restrictive than the index calls for, but may not be less restrictive. The public should contact their respective county emergency manager, local fire department or other appropriate county official for detailed restrictions and prohibitions. Burn Ban information for the region and the Rangeland Fire Danger Statement, which indicates the fire danger daily for each county, is posted online at www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/. Although some individual counties have imposed restrictions on fireworks, the state Rural Fire Code prohibits the use of fireworks by individuals only when county conditions are in the “Extreme” category.
The proclamation and executive order will remain in effect until conditions warrant rescinding them, according to Hoeven.
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