It also includes your outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. The official news release from the Governor’s office follows below.
— Official News Release, Governor Dalrymple —
Gov. Jack Dalrymple today extended an executive order to protect against fire outbreaks in North Dakota.
Dalrymple’s original executive order was in effect until Wednesday, but today he extended the statewide fire emergency until April 30. The governor can extend the statewide fire emergency beyond April 30 if necessary.
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.
“This executive order is an important step in our ongoing work to protect against the threat of fire outbreaks in many areas of the state,” Dalrymple said. “Our state agencies have been directed to be at the ready should local and tribal officials need assistance in protecting life or property.”
Dalrymple’s executive order was issued in response to extremely dry conditions, burn ban and fire restrictions declared throughout the state, Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity and high winds. The NWS has documented below average precipitation across the state, leaving many natural fuels such as tall grasses very dry and susceptible to fire outbreak.
