2015 April Fires

34 Agencies Involved in the Wildfire Response
Bis-Man Transit: Transportation of Evacuees
Bismarck Emergency Management: Coordination, Liaison, Obtain Resources
Bismarck Fire Department: Fire Suppression Mutual Aid
Bismarck Public Schools: Relocating Prairie Rose Elementary School Students
Bismarck Rural Fire Department: Fire Suppression
Bismarck/Burleigh Combined Communications: Dispatch, Automatic Notification to Residents for Evacuation
Bismarck/Burleigh Public Health: Shelter/Reception Support
Burleigh County Auditor: Financial
Burleigh County Commission: Disaster Declaration to Prepare for Mutual Aid Resources
Burleigh County Emergency Management: Coordination, Liaison, Obtain Resources, Public Information, Website, Social Media
Burleigh County Highway Department: Water Tankers, Graders
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department: Security and Perimeter Control, Emergency Operations Center Support Staff
Harlow's School Bus Service: Transportation of Evacuees
Legacy United Methodist Church: Reception Center
Lincoln Police Department: Security and Perimeter Control
Mandan Rural Fire Department: Fire Suppression Mutual Aid
Metro Area Ambulance Inc: Medical Standby
ND Civil Air Patrol: Global Positioning System (GPS) and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Thermal Imaging Sensor
ND Department of Health: Wildfire Smoke Affects (Press Release)
ND Division of Emergency Services: Coordination of State Resources
through Mutual Aid
ND Forest Service: Fire Suppression Mutual Aid
ND Game and Fish Department: Perimeter Security, Fire Suppression
ND Highway Patrol: Security and Perimeter Control
ND National Guard: Two UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters
ND Water Commission: Permit for Helicopters to Obtain Water from Missouri River
Salvation Army: Food and Hydration
Sterling Rural Fire Department: Fire Suppression Mutual Aid
United Tribes Technical College: Shelter
University of Mary: Coordination and Student Evacuation
US Federal Aviation Administration: Air Space Restriction
US Fish & Wildlife Service, Long Lake Refuge: Fire Suppression Mutual Aid
US National Weather Service: Spot Forecast and Current Condition Updates
West Dakota American Red Cross: Hydration and Food for Responders, Standby Shelter
Wilton Rural Fire Department: Fire Suppression Mutual Aid

April 16, 2015

Local Officials Credit National Guard and Local Responders for a Successful Wildfire Response

Bismarck, ND-Burleigh County Officials are citing the ND National Guard accompanied by coordinated efforts of local responders and mutual aid for a successful outcome to the wildfire that initially started on Monday, April 12th.

"We fully recognize the criticality of the National Guard's UH-60 Black Hawk response as part of our overall fire response", states Bismarck Rural Fire Chief Al Klein. Chief Klein continued; "The aerial support complemented the ground efforts for a successful outcome, and we are very fortunate to have access to such a resource."

Renee Loh, Executive Director of the ND Firefighters Association stated that 96% of the firefighters in North Dakota are volunteer responders. On a personal note, Renee's home is two lots away from the edge of the burn line, and she is overwhelmed with gratitude and respect for the firefighters that came together to fight this fire; "They were able to prevent loss of life and homes with their skills and knowledge obtained from ongoing training."

Fire suppression crews continue to monitor the area, and residents are urged to remain vigilant.

April 15, 2015

Burleigh County Issues Total Burn Ban Effective Immediately and Cause of Fire Determined

Bismarck, ND- Due to critical fire conditions and substantial wildfires that have occurred, Burleigh County Officials have issued a total burn ban effective immediately until further notice. No open flames are allowed regardless of the fire danger rating. The Burleigh County Sheriff's Department will be operating under a "no tolerance" policy for open flames. The ND Game and Fish Department already has a burn ban instituted for their game management areas which are signed to indicate no fires.

The probable cause of the ignition point of Monday's fire was an abandoned, small campfire. Residents throughout the County are encouraged to report any unattended areas emitting smoke.

Fire suppression crews continue to work the burn areas and attend to any "hot spots".

Again, local officials are strongly urging non-resident to stay out of the area to allow fire suppression crews unencumbered access to areas needing attention.

April 14, 2015
20:25

Burleigh County Wildland Fire Contained

Bismarck, ND- The fire is now contained and crews will remain on site to tend to "hot spots". Fire professionals will stay on scene throughout the night.

Again, local officials are strongly urging non-resident to stay out of the area to allow fire suppression crews unencumbered access to areas needing attention.

April 14, 2015
19:25

All Burleigh County Evacuations Rescinded

Bismarck, ND- All Burleigh County evacuations ordered for the fire have been rescinded. Only residents will be allowed to return. Non-residents urged to stay out of the area.

Reception Center has been closed due to evacuation orders being rescinded.

April 14, 2015
7:00 PM

Burleigh County Reception Center Open

Bismarck, ND- Any residents that have self-evacuated can go to the reception center at Legacy United Methodist Church, 4600 Durango Dr, Bismarck (Located on North Washington Street and north of 43rd Avenue Northeast).

The University of Mary students that evacuated are at the Lewis Goodhouse Wellness Center at the United Tribes Technical College.

Red Cross will be assisting at both sites.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
April 14, 2015

For More Information, Contact:
Colleen Reinke
Public Information Officer
North Dakota Department of Health
Phone: 701.328.1318 or .4619
E-mail: tcreinke@nd.gov

Wildfire Smoke Can Exacerbate Health Problems

BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) is urging residents of Bismarck to use caution and avoid the wildfires and the resulting smoke from the fires that are burning around Bismarck. One wildfire, which started yesterday, has reignited and caused the evacuation of several areas south of Bismarck. Another fire is burning in east Bismarck. Winds are carrying smoke across the city.

Wildfires present health concerns for a number of reasons. Because North Dakota's wildfires are wind-driven, they can change direction rapidly and can move extremely fast. Anyone caught by flames can suffer serious burns or damage to airways from the superheated air. Anyone not involved in fire suppression or emergency management activities is urged to comply with evacuation orders and to stay out of the area so suppression crews can do their work.

Wildfire smoke can cause health problems as well. The smoke contains particulates that can be irritating to the respiratory system. Those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or conditions such as asthma and allergies, can have strong adverse reactions to wildfire smoke. Staying indoors and away from the smoke plume is advisable for those who suffer from respiratory problems. If a person finds themselves reacting to wildfire smoke to the extent that it is affecting their breathing, they should seek immediate help from a medical provider.

For more information, contact Colleen Reinke, North Dakota Department of Health, at 701.328.1318 or 4619.

6:00 PM Mandatory evacuation now requested Evacuation requested for Sibley Dr up to 48th Avenue, from Hwy 1804 west to 12th St.

Public needs to stay out of the area to allow first responders access.

Evacuation requested for Sibley Dr up to 48th Avenue, from Hwy 1804 west to 12th St.

Burleigh County Officials Strongly Urge Public To Stay Away From Fire Area

Bismarck, ND-Burleigh County Officials are strongly urging the public to stay away from the fire south of Bismarck. Fire suppression crews need to get in and out the areas. The wind is causing extra concern.

Again, the public is strongly urged to stay out of this area.

Fire Reignites South of Bismarck

Bismarck, ND-Yesterday's fire has reignited. Burleigh County Rural Fire Department remains on scene. Mutual aid has been requested to assist in the effort.

Evacuation is being requested for the area south of Sibley Drive between South Fork Junction and South 12th Street.

Non-residents are asked to stay out of the area to allow fire support crews to respond and maneuver in the area.

April 14, 2015

Fire Support Crews Continue Work on "Hot Spots" from Yesterday's Fire

Bismarck, ND-Burleigh County Rural Fire Department is on scene and attending to numerous "hot spots" from yesterday's rural fire south of Bismarck. A Burleigh County Highway Department motor grader is also on scene as well as air support from one Black Hawk helicopter. ND Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) provided imagery with their Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) thermal imaging sensor to assist fire suppression planning activities. The ND Civil Air Patrol is one of only two CAP wings in the nation to have this advanced imaging equipment mounted on an aircraft

Non-residents are asked to stay out of the area to allow fire support crews to attend to this situation.

The burn area has now been estimated at approximately 1,512 acres, and the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
April 13, 2015

For More Information, Contact:
Terry O'Clair
Environmental Health Section
North Dakota Department of Health
Phone: 701.328.5188
E-mail: toclair@nd.gov

Caution Urged Around Wildfire Smoke

BISMARCK, N.D. - In light of today's wildfire south of Bismarck and other wildfires that have burned across the state in recent weeks, the North Dakota Department of Health is urging residents to avoid inhaling wildfire smoke and to stay well away from the actual fires. Staying away from the fires allows crews to do their work to suppress the fire, and also protects residents from the adverse effects of smoke inhalation.

Wildfire smoke contains particulates that can be irritating to the respiratory system. Those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or conditions such as asthma and allergies, can have strong adverse reactions to wildfire smoke. If a person finds themselves reacting to wildfire smoke to the extent that it is affecting their breathing, they should see help from a medical provider.

For more information, contact Terry O'Clair, North Dakota Department of Health, at 701.328.5188.

A wildland fire was reported at 1:57 PM today off of 12th Street SE.

Evacuated areas (approximately 20 homes):

• South Fork Junction Road to South 12th St

and

• South of 89th Avenue SE from Desert Road to 33rd St SE

All evacuation areas have been lifted at this time, and it is safe for residents to return. The fire is contained and first responders continue to work in the area. Fire professionals will remain on scene and monitor the area throughout the night; however, area residents are asked to remain vigilant.

If you do not live in this area, please stay out of the area to allow the first responders to continue their work.

ND National Guard pictures of helicopter assistance click here.