USDA Forest Service enacts fire restrictions to protect North Dakota's prairie lands
Oct. 4—SOUTHWEST, N.D. — In a proactive move to mitigate the risk of wildfires across North Dakota's western prairie landscape, the USDA Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands has issued a Fire Restrictions Order for all National Forest System Lands within several counties. This order, which went into immediate effect and will remain in place until Dec. 31, aims to safeguard the region's natural beauty and protect both property and lives.
The affected counties include Billings, Golden Valley, McHenry, McKenzie and Slope Counties.
Restrictions outlined in the order are conditional and vary depending on the fire danger rating within each county. These restrictions primarily apply when a county implements a burn ban or restriction and when it is identified as having a "Very High" or "Extreme" fire danger rating on the North Dakota Fire Danger Rating Map.
Additionally, restrictions will be enforced when a county is under a Red Flag Warning.
To stay informed about current conditions and restrictions, members of the public are encouraged to visit the North Dakota Response (NDR) website, which provides comprehensive information on North Dakota Burn Ban Restrictions and Fire Danger Maps. The NDR website can be accessed at
. Furthermore, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands has placed signs at various sites that include a QR code linking to the NDR website for easy access to the latest information.
The conditional restrictions outlined in the order encompass a range of activities that are prohibited during times of heightened fire risk. These activities include:
* Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. However, individuals may use a stove or grill solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels. In such cases, the area must be cleared of vegetation to minimize the risk of ignition.
* Smoking is permitted only within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation sites, or areas with a diameter of at least three feet that are barren or cleared of all flammable material.
* Travel on non-surfaced (Prairie Two Track) National Forest System Roads with a wheeled motor vehicle is generally prohibited. However, two-track travel is allowed during "Very High" fire danger conditions, provided that vehicles are equipped with a 2A or greater fire extinguisher or an equivalent amount of water (2.5 gallons) mounted inside the vehicle.
These restrictions have been put in place to prevent the accidental ignition of wildfires during periods of heightened fire danger, and the cooperation of all visitors to the affected areas is crucial to ensuring the safety of the public and the protection of the natural environment.
For more information about the official restrictions order or to access additional helpful resources from the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, please visit their website at
https://origin-fs.fs.usda.gov/alerts/dpg/alerts-notices
.
Questions or further clarification regarding these fire restrictions can be made with the following offices:
McKenzie Ranger District: 701-842-8500
Medora Ranger District: 701-227-7800
Sheyenne Ranger District: 701-404-8950
Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor's Office: 701-989-7300
The USDA Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands urges all residents and visitors to the region to stay informed about current fire conditions and to adhere to the fire restrictions in place, ensuring the safety of our communities and the preservation of our natural landscapes.
