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North Dakota records approximately 1,800 fire incidents each year. Fires within the state are classified as urban fires or wildland fires. Major causes of urban fires include electrically related structural and vehicle fires, incendiary-arson, unattended cooking fires, smoking materials, heating devices, fuel systems, sparks, hazardous material spills, and spontaneous combustion.
Major sources of wildland fires include lightning, inadequate measures for controlled burns, smoking, and sparks from farm machinery and trains. Fires in areas of high fuel content, if not quickly detected and suppressed, can rapidly flare out of control, threaten lives and cause major damage to habitat, crops, livestock, wildlife, and structural property.
Local (city/county/tribal) jurisdictions may institute burn bans, in accordance with the fire danger index, if conditions require. Contact your local emergency manager to inquire about the status of fire restrictions that may be in place.
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