— Official News Release, Governor Dalrymple —
Gov. Jack Dalrymple today extended a statewide fire emergency through May 8 to protect against fire outbreaks.
Dalrymple said the state’s county commissioners should assess their counties’ fire threat and be prepared to authorize a county burn ban, if necessary, once the statewide fire emergency expires May 8.
“I have extended the statewide fire emergency because of the significant threat of uncontrolled fire that still exists throughout the state,” Dalrymple said. “However, the state’s county commissioners have authority to issue their own burn bans, and they should be prepared to manage their specific needs for any additional fire restrictions once the statewide fire emergency expires.”
In his executive order, Dalrymple issued a burn ban for areas in the North Dakota Fire Danger Rating designated as “High,” “Very High,” or “Extreme,” and/or when a Red Flag Warning has been issued for an area. Burning will be allowed in designated areas with a “Low” or “Moderate” Fire Danger Rating if approved by the local fire response authority that has jurisdiction over the area.
Dalrymple has also activated the North Dakota State Emergency Operations Plan to make state assistance available to local and tribal officials in the event of a fire emergency. In addition, the governor has authorized the Adjutant General to activate and make available North Dakota National Guard resources in support of local and tribal governments.
The Governor first issued a statewide fire emergency on April 1, in response to dry conditions, unseasonably high temperatures and high winds.
