Due to extreme drought conditions, The McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners has signed a burn ban emergency, effective April 10th, 2025.
Click here to view the signed burn ban.
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WHEREAS, McKenzie County, North Dakota can have very dry conditions with significant fuel
loadings available; and
WHEREAS, McKenzie County, North Dakota has sustained or been threatened with rural fires in the past
and the McKenzie County Department of Emergency Services has been in consultation with local fire
departments; and
WHEREAS, all available resources remain committed to protecting life and property; and
WHEREAS, the cost of response, inordinate equipment wear, and fire damages may be in excess of
County resources.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of McKenzie County Commissioners
declare a Fire Emergency Burn Restrictions which include the following:
1. TOTAL ban on open / controlled burning of anything to include garbage, campfires, aerial /
ground fireworks, tree / wood piles and / or combustibles of any kind.
a. EXCEPTION: Responsible use of propane / gas grills used in a safe manner well away
from any combustible materials.
2. Vehicles (motorized / wheeled) including pickups, cars, utv’s, atv’s and motorcycles MUST
stay on established (paved / gravel) roadways.
a. EXCEPTION: Farmers, ranchers, landowners or those who must travel off-road for
business / industrial reasons should carry a shovel, fire extinguisher and / or basic
firefighting equipment to include water.
3. Smoking is restricted to the inside of vehicles, buildings or designated areas clear of any dry
vegetation or combustible materials.
4. These restrictions are valid until further notice.
Pursuant to NDCC 31-17.1-10.I, Any Individual who willfully violates the burn restrictions is guilty of a
Class B Misdemeanor (Maximum sentence of 30 days injail and/or a $1500 fine), and restitution of fire
suppression costs may besought.
Dated this 10th day of April 2025, McKenzie County North Dakota.