North Dakota Wildfire Zones (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: NDCC 37-17.1, 18-10
Rating authority: ND Forest Service
Emergency authority: Governor
Cost recovery: Mandatory restitution
Coverage: Statewide

Full Breakdown

The North Dakota Forest Service publishes daily Fire Danger Index ratings by county. Under NDCC 37-17.1, the Department of Emergency Services coordinates wildfire response and the Governor may activate the State Emergency Operations Plan to prohibit specified activities during extreme fire danger, including welding outdoors, use of incendiary devices, and discharge of fireworks. These statewide directives preempt conflicting local ordinances. Landowners adjacent to declared fire-protection districts may be assessed for suppression costs caused by negligent ignition under NDCC 18-10.

Violations & Penalties

Causing a wildfire through negligence or violating an emergency declaration is a Class A misdemeanor or felony depending on damage, with mandatory restitution for suppression costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fire Danger Index in North Dakota?

It is a daily county-level rating from low to extreme published by the ND Forest Service. High and extreme ratings can trigger automatic statutory restrictions on outdoor ignition sources statewide.

Am I liable if my fire spreads to a neighbor's property?

Yes. Under NDCC 18-10, anyone who negligently allows a fire to escape onto another's land is liable for damages and may be assessed the full cost of suppression efforts by responding agencies.

North Dakota Fire Danger Index and Wildfire Response