South Dakota wildfires (South Dakota Searchlight)
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – North Dakota is supporting the Nebraska wildfire fight by sending two North Dakota National Guard 600-gallon “Bambi Buckets” for aerial firefighting via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
On Thursday, Nebraska’s two largest fires were burning at 67% and 78% contained with a combined area of 771,110 acres.
Additionally, the North Dakota Forest Service sent an engine and three firefighters to assist crews battling the Qury Fire in South Dakota’s Black Hills.
“When our neighbors ask for help, North Dakota answers the call, just as other states have come to our aid in times of crisis,” Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “We thank and pray for the success and safety of our firefighters and all those putting themselves in harm’s way to protect life and property from these wildfires.”
North Dakota state agencies are monitoring the situations in Nebraska and South Dakota closely and stand ready to offer support as requested through various state-to-state compacts including EMAC.
The conditions so far this year have produced significant, even historic, events across Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and South Dakota. As winter recedes, these conditions can be expected to continue moving northward. North Dakota has had 58 wildland fires reported so far this year with much of the southwest corner of the state experiencing periods of high fire danger.
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services has already convened Fire Readiness Level calls with state agencies and partners to ensure staff and equipment are prepositioned as conditions warrant and are prepared to offer surge support as requested by local, tribal, and federal departments and agencies.
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