Fire

Morton County Institutes Burn Ban Tied to ND Daily Fire Danger Index
 

May 12, 2023: Morton County Commission institutes Fire Emergency and Burn Ban declaration tied to the ND Daily Fire Danger Rating, effective when the ND Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is in the High, Very High or Extreme category and/or a Red Flag Warning has been issued for Morton County. Since the daily rating changes frequently, it is important for us to simply keep the fire emergency and burn ban in place and use the daily fire rating to guide burning activity. See map below for today’s rating.

 

The ND Rural Fire Danger Guide lists the outdoor activity guidelines for the six danger indices (Low, Medium, High, Very High, Extreme, and Red Flag Warning). 

  

THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THIS BURN BAN IS A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR (NDCC 37-17.1-10.1:  MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND $1,500 FINE).

 

ND Fire Danger Rating and Maps

 

Each incorporated city in Morton County to include Almont, Flasher, Glen Ullin, Hebron, Mandan, and New Salem follow their own city ordinance or fire code, so please check with your local fire chief for information relating to ordinance or fire codes. 

 

Please review our Controlled Burn Procedures below to ensure that open burning is coordinated with the proper authorities for maximum safety to both people and property.

 

Morton County Fire Emergency and Burn Ban/Restriction Declaration 2023 (Document)

 

 

Controlled Burn Procedures

 

Morton County has issued the following procedures for landowners, contractors, equipment operators, and outdoor enthusiasts when engaged in open areas for conducting controlled or open burning. The following procedures are to ensure that open burning is coordinated with the proper authorities for maximum safety to both people and property.

  • Check with your local Fire Chief where you desire to conduct open burning.

  • Citizens should contact State Radio at 701-328-9921 to request a controlled burn, so that emergency responders are not dispatched for reports of fire, when it is a controlled burn.  Be prepared to give your name, contact number, location of the controlled burn and anticipated duration of the burn.  

 

  • After the burning is completed and the fire is out, again contact State Radio at 701-328-9921 to inform them of the completion.

  • A controlled burn needs to be physically monitored at all times.  Once the fire is started, do not leave the site unattended until the fire is completely out.

  • Be prepared if the fire gets out of hand.  Call 911 immediately and have resources available to mitigate the effects (water, extinguisher, tractor, shovels).

 

Residents are urged to follow the precautions in the ND Rural Fire Danger Guide which lists the outdoor activity guidelines for the six fire danger ratings (Low, Moderate, High, Very High, Extreme, and Red Flag Warning). 

 

ND Fire Danger Rating and Maps 

 

 
What’s Included (when the ND Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is High, Very High, Extreme, or Red Flag Warning)

No Open Burning: Includes the ignition of fireworks, burning of leaves, grass clippings, garbage/pits, construction debris, fallen trees, crop residue or hay land, sloughs, and campfires/bonfires/recreation fire.

 

What’s Excluded

Controlled Devices: Only when device(s) (gas, charcoal, wood-fired/pellet grills, patio fireplaces and chimineas, gas camp stoves, and smokers/pellet grills) is/are on a hard, non-organic surface and 15’ away from vegetation and an extinguisher or water is available on site.

 
See incorporated city ordinances and fire codes below for more information in your community: