Burgum surveys damage, thanks crews, urges vigilance as dry conditions persist
Gov. Doug Burgum and fellow state officials surveyed several large wildfires still burning in western North Dakota on Monday, Oct.7, meeting with firefighters, emergency managers and other local officials in Tioga and Watford City to thank them for their efforts to protect lives and property and urging continued vigilance as dry conditions persist and the wildfire risk remains high.
“Part of what makes North Dakota special is the strong collaboration between agencies and communities at all levels, neighbors helping neighbors, and that’s been on full display during these incredibly challenging wildfires,” Burgum said. “Local firefighters, first responders, farmers and ranchers have fought alongside state, tribal and federal resources against incredible odds to literally save entire communities, and we are deeply grateful for their tireless efforts.
After an aerial tour of wildfires in the Mandaree and Ray areas with the North Dakota National Guard’s adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, Burgum and state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread and state Fire Marshal Doug Nelson met in Tioga with firefighters from Tioga, Ray, Williston, Epping, Trenton, Grenora and Alamo, along with emergency management personnel, county commissioners, farmers and others.
The governor also surveyed the Elkhorn fire near Grassy Butte - which covered 28,400 acres as of Monday morning - and held a press conference at the McKenzie County Courthouse in Watford City with Johnson, Goehring, Godfread, State Forester Tom Claeys, North Dakota Forest Service Fire Management Office Ryan Melin, McKenzie County Emergency Manager Karolin Jappe and other officials.