Wildfire in North Dakota

Events

36

Deaths

2

Injuries

16

Damage

$38 million

• Wildfire in North Dakota, October 5 to 6, 20242 deaths · 8 injured · $32 million · 2 eventsMultiple wildfires started during the high wind event of October 5, when humidity values dropped into the teens, and winds gusted over 70 mph in many locations in the wake of a strong cold front (see the high wind Storm Data entry from October 5).
• Wildfire and High Wind in North Dakota, October 11 to 12, 2015$750,000 · 65 kt wind · 37 eventsDeep low pressure moved across southern Canada sweeping a strong cold front through the region. Strong west to northwest winds developed in the afternoon of October 11 along and behind the front.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, October 17 to 18, 2012$4.0 million · 1 eventA large wildfire developed over western Adams County in southwest North Dakota during the afternoon of the 17th.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, March 19, 20122 injured · $410,000 · 3 eventsA large grass fire occurred over northern Hettinger and southern Stark counties on March 19th. Up to 5,000 acres were burned and two farmsteads were destroyed. One of the farmsteads was abandoned and the other was occupied.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, April 19 to 20, 20082 injured · $350,000 · 1 eventSeveral wildfires were reported in the Minot area on Saturday, April 19th, with flare-ups continuing into Sunday, April 20th when the wildfire was reported contained. 500 to 800 acres were burned. The fires started late Saturday morning with the cause unknown.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, April 16, 2002$250,000 · 1 eventA grass fire was started by an unknown source and rapidly spread due to the dry grasses and gusty winds. It quickly spread into a 10 mile long area and burned 5750 acres of grass, mostly CRP land along the alkali flats in the Red River Valley.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, April 12 to 14, 2015$200,000 · 1 eventAn abandoned campfire developed into a large wildfire in southwest Burleigh County, south of Bismarck, by the afternoon of April 13th, which led to the evacuation of approximately 20 residences. It is believed that the fire initially started on April 12th.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, August 24 to 29, 2012$100,000 · 1 eventCritical fire weather conditions existed across southwest North Dakota on August 24. Several wildfires started and one in Slope County, the Deep Creek 2 Fire, was significant.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, April 8, 20053 injured · 1 eventStrong southerly winds gusting to 45 mph combine with low relative humidities and dry pastures, created red flag conditions in North Dakota. A large grass fire developed east of Wilton. The fire became very large in size, creating its own weather conditions.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, July 12 to 13, 200613 eventsDry thunderstorms developed in southwest North Dakota in the mid afternoon of July 12th, spreading into the south central part of the state by evening.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, April 9 to 13, 20031 injured · 2 eventsA large wildfire erupted along the Burleigh and Emmons county line, along the Missouri river, better know as theMcLean Bottoms. The fire was started by an abandon campfire.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, June 28 to 30, 20021 eventA large grassland fire claimed 12,300 acres in and around the Shields area in southcentral North Dakota. The entire town of Shields was burned to the ground with only a few structures remain standing.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, July 5, 20021 eventA large grassland fire burned approximately 36,000 acres, claiming 17 residences and 21 outbuildings. The fire was fueled bytemperatures above 100 degrees and gusty winds. The rangeland fire danger index was in the extreme category.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, March 24, 20031 eventVery dry conditions, low humidity and wind gusts to 40 mph triggered a 200 acre wild fire just north of McKenzie in Burleigh county. A second, smaller 4 acre fire started just northwest of Bismarck near Pioneer Park.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, April 9 to 13, 20031 eventStutsman county firefighters spent the week of April 9th through the 13th battling two dozen wildfires across the countyburning over 9000 acres. Fires flared up near Cleveland, Medina and Windsor in Stutsman county.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, July 18 to 21, 20061 eventA fire began in the early afternoon of the 18th to the west of Fort Yates after smoldering for several hours following a morning lightning strike.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, July 18, 20061 eventA fire 15 miles north of Bismarck quickly consumed 500 acres of vegetation after igniting in tall grass near a farmstead. The fire spread to the structures on the farm. Two barns, a granary, and corrals were lost to the fire before it was brought under control.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, July 12, 20061 eventDry lightning started wildfires north and northeast of Hettinger. 700 acres and 16 straw bales burned.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, July 23 to 29, 20081 eventA wildfire began approximately 16 miles north of Marmarth midday on the 23rd after smoldering for several hours following early morning lightning activity.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, October 24, 20111 eventSeasonably warm and dry conditions help produce conditons suitable for wildfire growth and development.

Wildfire everywhereEvery kind of event in North Dakota

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24.