BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has proclaimed a statewide fire and drought emergency because of extremely dry conditions.
Burgum on Monday ordered all state agencies to maintain high levels of readiness. The executive order activates the state emergency operations plan and authorizes Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, to activate the Guard if needed to support local and tribal governments.
The dry conditions, lack of rain and high winds have created a fire emergency in North Dakota and hurt livestock water supplies, crop and pasture conditions. The risk of wildfires also has increased much earlier than normal. So far 30 counties have issued emergency declarations, burning bans or other fire restrictions.
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