Wildfires scorch vast lands in North Dakota

Crews have been fighting at least 16 wildfires throughout North Dakota in the last several days, including several large fires still burning Tuesday across wooded areas and grasslands on the Turtle Mountain Reservation near the Canadian border.

Dry and breezy conditions before the spring green-up haven't helped the situation. Much of the state is in some level of drought, including a swath of western North Dakota in severe or extreme drought, according to a recent map by the US Drought Monitor.

Numerous agencies including the North Dakota Forest Service and fire departments have responded to the fires. National Guard Black Hawk helicopters have dropped water, saving homes. Officials requested fire engines from as far as Montana and South Dakota. Tribal members with buckets and hoses sprang into action to fight the flames.

Three distinct fires that have been joining and separating have burned about 17 square kilometers in the Turtle Mountain area, according to the state Department of Emergency Services.

Most of the fires have been in north of Belcourt, in the northern part of the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

The fires steadily kicked off on Friday. It wasn't clear how much of the fires were contained.

One vacant mobile home was believed to be lost, but there were no other injuries or homes lost despite fires in people's yards, as about 10 families evacuated from their homes.

Crews were battling high winds with the fires on Monday, but rain overnight, moderate winds and firefighters' great efforts have improved the situation.

Seventy-five to 100 firefighters responded on Sunday, the busiest day. And local businesses and tribal members have helped.

Causes of the fires are thought to be accidental, potentially sparks escaping from residents' trash-burning barrels.

Nearly all of the 16 fires around the state are 100 percent contained. A fire in Rolla on Sunday led to evacuations.

Fires on the Fort Berthold Reservation burned at least 8 square kilometers. A 7.3 square kilometer fire on the reservation is 40 percent contained.

(Cover: Wildfires burn in the Turtle Mountain area of North Dakota, the US, May 5, 2025. /VCG)