Background
Spring Fire Season
North Dakota has seen its spring wildfire season begin earlier and extend longer, primarily due to lower winter precipitation, minimal snowpack, and higher-than-normal temperatures and winds, particularly in western parts of the state. These conditions leave grasses and vegetation dry and highly flammable. As a result, state agencies have started coordinating wildfire response efforts earlier in the spring, involving entities like the North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services, National Guard, and National Weather Service. [1]
Fall & Historic Wildfire Events
In October 2024, North Dakota experienced one of its most severe fire events when multiple fires—collectively known as the Ray and Tioga Fires—burned nearly 90,000 acres across Williams and McKenzie Counties. The rapid spread was driven by extremely dry fuels, low humidity, and winds gusting up to 78 mph, marking it one of the largest wildfire outbreaks in state history. [2]
Fires Triggered by Industry Activity
That same fall, natural gas flares at oil wells in western North Dakota were linked to two wildfires that collectively burned about 36.3 square kilometers (14 square miles). These fires caused widespread land and livestock damage and were exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. Investigations were launched by the North Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office. [3]
Year-Round Wildfire Potential & Management
Wildfire risk in North Dakota persists outside of those two primary windows—spring and fall—thanks to the combination of dry climate, lightning, and human-caused ignitions. Annually, the state averages around 1,800 wildland fire incidents, with major causes including lightning, escaped controlled burns, equipment operations, and smoking materials. Local jurisdictions can impose burn restrictions based on the fire danger level to help prevent uncontrolled fires. [4]
