WILLISTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com/North Dakota News Monitor/KFGO) – State, local, federal, and tribal firefighters continue to battle large wildfires across western North Dakota, with efforts expected to last for days, as evacuations remain in effect and at least one fatality has been reported.
Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, died from injuries sustained in a fire near Ray, North Dakota, the Williams County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. Another individual suffered critical injuries and has been transported for medical care.
Gov. Doug Burgum acknowledged the challenging conditions, citing strong winds and dry weather. In a statement issued late Saturday, he praised the ongoing efforts of emergency responders, saying the state has mobilized resources to support local, tribal, and federal agencies in protecting lives and property.
“We’re deeply grateful for the incredible heroics of the firefighters, emergency managers, and others working around the clock to control and extinguish these blazes,” Burgum said. “The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we urge residents to remain vigilant and heed all evacuation orders and warnings.”
Fire crews worked through the night on Saturday to save the town of Mandaree from the Bear Den fire, which has burned an estimated 25,000 acres, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services reported. By Sunday morning, two National Guard Black Hawk helicopters joined the effort at both the Bear Den fire near Mandaree and the Elkhorn fire near Grassy Butte.
“I’ve fought fires for 27 years across the nation, including international, and can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like this,” Fire Manager Ryan Melin of the North Dakota Forest Service stated.
Multiple other wildfires have been reported in McKenzie County, including Arnegard, Keene, and Charlson, as well as in the areas of Garrison, Tioga, and Ray. Evacuation orders remain in place, and temporary shelters have been provided for displaced residents. Power outages have also been reported in some affected areas.
Burgum declared a statewide fire emergency last Thursday, citing dangerous conditions exacerbated by high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Over the weekend, fire crews struggled to control the flames as wind gusts reached up to 78 mph on Saturday, the National Weather Service said.
North Dakota Adjutant General Mitch Johnson called the situation “one of the worst combined fire situations in North Dakota history.” He added that while wind speeds diminished by Sunday, the battle is far from over.
“Yesterday we were on defense, but today we’re on offense,” Johnson said.
Gov. Burgum and General Johnson are scheduled to tour the damaged areas on Monday.