Eddy County implements new burn restrictions

The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES), along with the North Dakota Forest Service, has created a new Burn Restrictions Map, and county commissioners have agreed on a new set of burn restrictions specific to Eddy County.

The new interactive map displays daily restrictions for jurisdictional areas, such as Eddy County and Tribal Nations across the state.

“This is a significant improvement in user experience to help keep natural resources and people safe in North Dakota while recreating, farming, and using fire responsibly,” said State Forester, Tom Claeys.

Previously, citizens and visitors had to review information on three separate maps to determine if they could start a campfire. To add to the confusion, counties often did not share the same language within their restrictions.

By comparison, the new map is more user-friendly and will help clarify many of these inconsistencies.

The new map also reflects recent legislative adjustment to language used. Previously, N.D. Century Code used the term “burn bans,” whether they were a total fire ban or simply noted that some restrictions may be in place.

Now, these are referred to as “burn restrictions,” following the format set by many western states.

“We received numerous calls from the public: questions whether they could or could not have a campfire, people reporting their neighbor’s campfire even though it was perfectly legal, and complaints as to why they couldn’t have a campfire when they actually could. The language was just confusing,” said Darin Hanson, Homeland Security Division Director for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

The new interactive map combines information including the daily fire danger rating, Red Flag Warnings and burn restrictions provided to NDDES by local emergency managers.

Selecting an area on the map identifies burn restrictions currently in effect. Users will also be able to enable their location to get this information in real time on their mobile devices.

To view the new and improved map, and to learn more, visit NDResponse.gov/Burn.

The burn restrictions agreed upon by Eddy County Commissioners, the Eddy County Emergency Manager and the New Rockford Fire Department are as follows:

• When the fire danger index is “low” or “moderate,” county residents are only expected to notify the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center of any controlled burns beforehand.

• When the fire danger index is at or greater than “high,” controlled burns are not allowed, including wood piles, cropland/agriculture burning and garbage/pit burning.

• When the fire danger index is at or greater than “very high,” campfires are not allowed.

• When the fire danger index is “extreme,” or if there is a Red Flag Warning in place for Eddy County, fireworks (aerial or ground) and unnecessary off-road motorized travel are not allowed.

The non-emergency contact number for controlled burning is (701) 662-5323.