Photo: North Dakota Wing, Civil Air Patrol

BILLINGS COUNTY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – As of 1:15 PM MDT today, firefighters are reporting 100% containment and an estimated 2276 acres burned for the grass fire near Medora, ND that began on Thursday.

This could not have been accomplished without the swift and organized cooperation from all partners. The area affected by the wildfire remains closed at this time for public health and safety. This includes the Buffalo Gap Trail from I-94 southeast to its intersection with the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and the Maah Daah Hey Trail from the National Park Boundary south to Sully Creek State Park.

The Horse Pasture fire in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park has increased in acreage from Sunday, due to high winds. This fire is currently estimated at 30% contained burning roughly 3000 acres. At the time, the cause of the fire is undetermined, but likely human caused. The very rough, inaccessible terrain make containment of this fire difficult, but responders are working around the clock to contain the blaze. Resources from many partners have come together to fight this fire including local fire departments, Montana, South Dakota, USDA Forest Service, North Dakota Forest Service, local farmers, and others. At this time, no structure damage has been reported, but the North Unit housing facilities, campgrounds, and other infrastructure are still at risk. The North Unit of the park is closed at this time, as well as the CCC Campground across the Little Missouri River to the south of the park.

High and very high fire danger continues through all parts of North Dakota, and near critical fire weather is expected across the state, with a Red Flag warning in effect for south central North Dakota. Residents are reminded to be vigilant and cooperative as responders battle these wildfires. 90% of wildfires are caused by humans, so always be cognizant of your activities outside and their potential for starting fires. Everyone will need to be involved to prevent wildfires this season.