House Fire causes major structural damage
On April 3, 2024, at approximately 12:38 p.m., the Watford City Police Department and the Watford City Fire Department responded to reports of an active structure fire in the 3300 block of 11th Ave. Northeast in the city of Watford City. Once Law Enforcement arrived on scene, they confirmed that a two story duplex was actively on fire. Firefighters ensured no one else was still in the structure as it was initially reported to arriving officers that people may still be in the building. Law Enforcement evacuated the other residential buildings in the area. At the time of the fire, five people were inside the structure, including numerous juveniles.
The Watford City Fire Department was able to extinguish the blaze after about three hours. The structure received significant damage and is currently uninhabitable. The fire displaced approximately 12 people, including one family.
Bakken Oil Rush Ministries and the North Dakota Red Cross are currently assisting the individuals displaced by the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The North Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting investigators in the investigation.
We would like to thank Pizza Pie on the Fly for providing food for the first responders. We would also like to thank the McKenzie County Ambulance Service, McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office, McKenzie County Emergency Management, Watford City Fire Department, Twin Valley Fire Department, North Dakota State Fire Marshall’s Office, Montana-Dakota Utilities and McKenzie Electric for assisting during the incident.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Watford City Police Department at (701) 842-2280.