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
WATFORD CITY Just inside the entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, two bison were keeping an eye on some of the people working to contain a sprawling wildfire that ignited over the weekend.
The animals were lying in the grass across from stacks of blue and orange Gatorade set aside for those responding to the fire Wednesday, and park staff were monitoring them while describing their efforts to control the flames.
The 5,000-acre Horse Pasture Fire was 50% controlled Wednesday. Lighter winds have helped crews battling the blaze, according to Beth Hill, acting outreach and education manager for the North Dakota Forest Service.