RAY, N.D. — Multiple fires that broke out this weekend in western North Dakota have killed one person, burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed several buildings, with one firefighter describing a blaze as “Armageddon.”

One person has died and others were evacuated from their homes as wildfires raged through parts of western North Dakota over the weekend

Doug Burgum and fellow state officials surveyed several large wildfires still burning in western North Dakota on Monday, meeting with firefighters, emergency managers and other local officials in Tioga and Watford City to thank them for their efforts to protect lives and property and urging continued vigilance as dry conditions persist and the wildfire risk remains high.

Authorities say more than eighteen agencies have been fighting large wildfires that began Friday across western North Dakota. Some of the fires have been contained, others continue to burn across wide areas.

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) – Electrical crews are still repairing the downed powerlines caused by Saturday’s windstorm and grassfires. Most of the damage occurred north of Wheelock between Highway 85 and Tioga according to Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative general manager Alex Vournas.

Gov. Doug Burgum has declared the week of Oct. 6-12, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week across North Dakota, emphasizing the theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The observance highlights the cri