KNBN NewsCenter1
April 12, 2021
THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK, N.D. The National Park Service says that the Horse Pasture Fire, which has been burning in the North Unit at Teddy Roosevelt National Park since Saturday, April 3, is at 95% containment as of Monday afternoon. The fire is currently mapped at 5,000 acres.
The fire burned lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, State of North Dakota, and some private lands. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The development of winter weather conditions over the past 24 hours have given fire crews an advantage. Firefighters and engines are still assigned to the Horse Pasture Fire and will continue to patrol and monitor for the foreseeable future.
The fire, currently mapped at 5,000 acres, is now
95% contained.
“The weather is certainly giving firefighters a little extra assistance in suppressing the fire; It is a welcome addition to the firefighting effort,” said
Lucas Graf, District Ranger for the McKenzie Ranger District of the Little Missouri National Grassland. Prior to this weekend’s wintery rain and snow mix, firefighters had reached 90% containment on the fire.
Graf added, “We couldn’t have gotten here without the help of local volunteers, VFDs, and first responders. The weather conditions and fire activity on the [April] 3
rd posed a real challenge to those folks, and they did an amazing job of holding the fire, particularly the finger on the northwest side, until air support and additional ground resources could arrive. This cold and wet weather is increasing our confidence in the containment lines established over the past week. We are also grateful for all the food and medical supply donation