Burgum proclaims statewide fire and drought emergency
BISMARCK – Gov. Doug Burgum on Monday proclaimed a statewide fire and drought emergency and 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.
Extremely dry conditions, lack of precipitation and high winds have created a fire emergency in North Dakota and have had a detrimental impact on livestock water supplies, crop and pasture conditions. Last week’s U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 8 percent of the state in extreme drought, 32 percent in severe drought, 27 percent in moderate drought and 33 percent abnormally dry. Conditions aren’t expected to improve in the near future.
The risk of wildfires also has increased much earlier than normal, with 30 counties issuing emergency declarations, burn bans or other fire restrictions so far. An active, prolonged fire season will likely challenge the capacity of local volunteer fire departments.
Read more: http://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2017/06/burgum-proclaims-statewide-fire-and-drought-emergency/