Current Fire Conditions
The interactive map maintained by the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services displays current fire danger and county burn restrictions across the state.
Before You Burn
Residents should always review all information prior to burning including knowing local city ordinances, the fire danger and any burn restrictions. Residents that conduct Open Burning when not restricted should call North Dakota State Radio at 701-328-9921 to report the location, time and contact information.
This link provides information on Open Burning: https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/permitting/OpenBurning.aspx
Local city ordinances can be found on their webpages or contact the respective fire chief.
Detailed Information
Fire Danger Ratings are calculated using inputs such as long-term climate information, short-term weather patterns, and indicators like relative humidity, temperature, wind speed, and fuel conditions on the ground (how dry the grasses are, for example). Weather inputs are provided by the National Weather Service, while fuel conditions are based on a variety of inputs and modeling.
The ratings are: low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme. Additionally, fire weather watches and red flag warnings may be issued for heightened public awareness of critical fire weather conditions.
Fire danger ratings indicate the threat of fire growth, not necessarily the threat of fire starts. Should a fire ignite, it is more likely to spread rapidly on higher fire danger rating days.
A Fire Emergency Declaration is similar to any emergency declaration and is issued by the appropriate authority such as a mayor, council, or governor — typically to allow access to special emergency funds and heighten public awareness. Fire Emergency declarations must be in place to enforce Burn Restrictions.
Burn Restrictions are legal restrictions on outdoor fire activities tied to counties, tribes, state and federal land management agencies, and some cities. Restrictions may change throughout the day, so always check right before you intend to burn.
*The Fire Danger Rating System is sensitive to inputs, so always use your judgment when determining if burning is appropriate, even if it is allowed in your jurisdiction. Experts continue to refine the system for increased accuracy and public safety.
Generally, anytime you light a fire outdoors you are open burning. Open burning is regulated under the North Dakota Air Pollution Control Rules for the health and wellbeing of residents and neighbors.
Many types of open burning — such as prescribed burns, landfills, and oil burns — require an approved open burn variance.
Certain common activities such as campfires, outdoor cooking fires, and agricultural crop burning do not require a burn variance.
Details, along with burn variance applications, are available at DEQ.nd.gov. Burn variances must be approved by the DEQ or by district health units with variance issuing authority. Contact the DEQ or your local fire district with any questions.