Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford marked the fifth anniversary of being sworn into office, reflecting on a year filled with historic progress on infrastructure, workforce, economic development and other priorities, as well as major challenges including extreme drought conditions and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Drought contributes to increase in North Dakota wildfires
June 16, 2021 GMT
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) The number of wildfires this year in North Dakota has increased significantly, according to state officials, who cite extremely dry conditions.
Data collected by the North Dakota Forest Service and the state Department of Emergency Services shows nearly 1,400 fires have consumed about 156 square miles since the beginning of the year. Last year, about 921 fires burned approximately 18 square miles.
North Dakota has experienced some of the driest winter and spring months this year. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows more than two-thirds of the state is in extreme and exceptional drought.
MINOT, N.D. (AP) Officials in drought-stricken North Dakota say wildfires have burned about 156 square miles of land across the state so far this year, more than seven times the amount from all of last year.