Fire

Burn Restrictions In Effect Until October 31, 2025

Fire Emergency and Burn Restrictions Tied to Daily Fire Danger Rating for Burleigh County effective March 17, 2025.

The Board of Burleigh County Commissioners declares a Fire Emergency and Burn Restrictions effective when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is in the High, Very High, Extreme Rating, and/or a Red Flag Warning has been issued for Burleigh County, North Dakota, effective immediately until rescinded or through October 31, 2025.

What’s Included

No Open Burning: Includes campfires, controlled burns (i.e., wood piles, tumbleweeds, tree piles, etc.), cropland/agricultural burning, fireworks (aerial and ground), garbage/pit burning, unnecessary off-road motorized travel (anything other than paved or gravel surface)

What’s Excluded

Controlled Devices: Only when device (gas grills, gas patio fireplaces and chimineas, gas camp stoves, gas, charcoal, or wood-fired grills, patio fireplaces and chimineas, gas camp stoves, and smokers) is on a hard, non-organic surface and 15’ away from vegetation and an extinguisher or water is available on site.

THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THE BURN RESTRICTIONS IS A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR

(NDCC 37-17.1-10.1: MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND $1,500 FINE)

The Fire Danger Rating is issued daily and available at ndresponse.gov

Picture of a campfire

Controlled Burn Procedures

Burleigh County has controlled burn procedure. Landowners, equipment operators and outdoor enthusiasts are requested to take proper precautions during all open burning situations:

Contact the Central Dakota Communications Center at 223-9111 before a controlled burn is started so that emergency responders are not dispatched for reports of a fire when it is a controlled burn. Be prepared to give your name, contact number, location of controlled burn, and anticipated duration of the burn. After the burning is completed and the fire is out, again contact the Central Dakota Communications Center to inform them of the completion.
A controlled burn needs to be physically monitored at all times. Once the fire is started, don't walk away until the fire is completely out.

Be prepared if the fire gets out of hand. Call 911 immediately and have resources available to mitigate the effects (water, extinguisher, shovels, tractor).

Residents are urged to follow the precautions in the ND Rural Fire Danger Guide which lists the outdoor activity guidelines for the five fire danger ratings (Low, Moderate, High, Very High, and Extreme). Open burning is strongly discouraged when the Fire Rating is in the High, Very High, or Extreme Category AND during a Red Flag Warning.

ND Rural Fire Danger Guide
Residents are urged to follow the precautions in the ND Rural Fire Danger Guide which lists the outdoor activity guidelines for the five danger ratings (Low, Medium, High, Very High, and Extreme).

The ND Fire Danger Rating is issued daily.

Fireworks Safety

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.
If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.
Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.
Supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Barbecue Safety

Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
Do not overfill the propane tank.
Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

Campfire Safety

Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
Keep campfires small, and don't let them get out of hand.
Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you're done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
Never leave campfires unattended.

You can reduce the probability of wildfire loss if you adopt Firewise® landscaping processes in the area around your home. Print a copy of the Firewise® Tips Checklist to find simple ways to reduce your vulnerability.

Visit the Firewise® website for additional Firewise® Safety practices and pictures.