Central ND News

During the current spring fire season, North Dakota is experiencing heightened fire risks. In response, several state agencies are collaborating to ensure public safety by providing clear guidance on fire regulations.

Burn restrictions determine whether burning is permissible and can be checked via a map with fire danger ratings at NDResponse.gov/burn. Burn variances dictate what materials may be burned, with full guidance available from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Fire danger ratings consider climate data, weather patterns, and fuel conditions like dry grasses. These ratings range from low to extreme and inform the likelihood of rapid fire spread if one ignites. The National Weather Service supplies weather data for these calculations.

Jurisdictions can issue Fire Emergency Declarations to access emergency funds and raise public awareness. Such declarations are essential for enforcing burn restrictions across counties, tribes, state lands, federal land management agencies, and some cities.

Open burning involves lighting any outdoor fire and is regulated under North Dakota Air Pollution Control Rules. Some activities like campfires do not require a variance; however, others such as prescribed burns do need approval from DEQ or district health units.

Residents should notify local first responders before burning by consulting NDResponse.gov/burn for contact instructions after obtaining necessary approvals.

These measures aim to prevent wildfires while maintaining clean air and safe environments. For further information on burn variances or general inquiries, residents can contact Alison Vetter at the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services or Liz Trythall at DEQ.

The initiative involves collaboration between multiple state departments including Emergency Services, Environmental Quality, Forest Service, National Weather Service, Health and Human Services, Water Resources Department, and the Office of the Fire Marshal.