JRFD crews battle a blaze Northwest of Jamestown Tuesday as high winds continue. Photo: Jamie Dickerman

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Rural Fire Department (JRFD) Chief Brian Paulson says they’re running on fumes after the last 24 hours.

Chief Paulson says his crew remained ready as of Sunday when a red flag warning had been issued, but it wasn’t until Monday afternoon at around 5 PM that they saw their first call.

Chief Paulson says he had eight units and 24 firefighters on scene for about four hours. He says they were called back out just before midnight Monday evening south of Jamestown on Highway 281.

Crews had little time to rest up when the third call came in at around 4:30 PM Tuesday.

Paulson says it’s been a busy time for his crews, but they’ve returned their units for maintenance and hopefully some much needed rest.

He added that those who may be getting into the field for the spring planting season can take some precautions to help prevent further fires in the area as high winds and dry conditions persist.

Chief Paulson also thanked everyone for their assistance.

“I just wanted to say thank you to our Stutsman County Dispatchers and Law Enforcement. And a big thank you to not only the JRFD volunteer firefighters, but to all the rural firefighters that responded to the multiple calls throughout the county these last few days. To have these volunteers that respond during such extreme conditions is something that our communities should all be very proud of.”

A full version of the burn ordinance can be found at the Stutsman County website under Departments, choose Zoning, and click on “Burn Ban Ordinance” on the left-hand side of the page. For more information contact the Stutsman County Emergency Manager’s Office at 701-252-9093.