Wildfires Scorch Tribal Lands in North Dakota

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    Numerous wildfires have been raging across North Dakota recently, with at least 16 reported incidents. Among these, some of the most significant fires have been observed on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, located close to the Canadian border. Here, large blazes have been a challenge, continuing into Tuesday as they burn through dense forest areas and grasslands.

    The situation has been exacerbated by dry, breezy weather conditions, which have persisted during the pre-spring green-up period. These elements, combined with an ongoing drought affecting much of the state, have complicated firefighting efforts. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of western North Dakota are experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions.

    Support has poured in from various quarters, with the North Dakota Forest Service, local fire departments, and the National Guard all deploying resources to tackle the fires. Their efforts include the use of Black Hawk helicopters for water drops, which have helped shield homes from damage. Fire engines have been summoned from neighboring states like Montana and South Dakota, while local tribal community members have actively aided the firefighting operations using hoses and buckets.

    Jamie Azure, the Chair of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, remarked on the community’s resilience, stating it was inspiring to see people come together to address the crisis. The Turtle Mountain area has been hit particularly hard, with three major fires merging and diverging, covering an estimated 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers) to date. Jenna Parisien, spokesperson for the Belcourt Rural Fire Department, highlighted that these fires have primarily affected areas north of Belcourt within the reservation.

    Parisien explained that several zones have ignited simultaneously, compounded by unfavorable weather conditions that cause embers to spread and re-ignite other areas. The fires reportedly began last Friday, although the extent of containment remains unclear. So far, three firefighters have been hospitalized for issues such as exhaustion, dehydration, and smoke inhalation, but they are currently in good condition according to Azure. A single vacant mobile home has been destroyed, but thankfully no other injuries or property losses have been reported, despite some fires reaching residential yards. Approximately ten families have been asked to evacuate.

    Strong winds interspersed with rain and moderate conditions improved firefighting outcomes by Tuesday, Azure noted. Over the weekend, particularly on Sunday, firefighting efforts intensified with between 75 and 100 firefighters on the scene, Parisien mentioned. The community continues to rally around the firefighters with support from local businesses and tribal members.

    The cause of these fires is believed to be accidental, possibly originating from sparks escaping during the burning of trash. Nonetheless, some individuals have been detained on suspicion of deliberately setting fires, although Parisien did not provide further details. The local Bureau of Indian Affairs has been asked for comments via email.

    While nearly all of the state’s fires are now fully contained, there remain ongoing concerns. Among recent fires, one incident near Rolla necessitated evacuations. Elsewhere, on the Fort Berthold Reservation, wildfires have destroyed 3.1 square miles (8 square kilometers), with a particular fire of 2.8 square miles (7.2 square kilometers) contained at 40%. No structural losses have been reported in these fires, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the state Department of Emergency Services, Alison Vetter.