Bottineau County Emergency Management

06/01/2026

🍔🌭 Get out the burgers and dogs....and let's talk about grills!
I have had some questions concerning propane grills and fireplaces, when the county Burn Policy is in effect.

The county policy allows the use of propane grills and fireplaces, no matter what the Fire Danger Rating is. How can this be? They are considered "Controlled Devices". We just ask that you follow a few easy guidelines. 👇👇

✔️ They are on a hard, non-organic surface.
✔️ They are 15 feet away from vegetation.
✔️ An extinguisher or water source is available on site

When surroundings are SAFE....People have more FUN! Let's keep things SAFE and FUN this summer! 🌞

06/01/2026

There remains a level 1 to 2 of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms across much of western and central North Dakota on Tuesday. The primary hazards expected with any severe storm would be large hail up to the size of golf balls, damaging wind gusts up to 70 MPH, and possibly an isolated tornado. Locally heavy rainfall is also possible.

05/29/2026

By popular demand we will be hosting two virtual Skywarn sessions Monday, June 1st and Tuesday, June 2nd! Ideal for anyone wanting to attend Skywarn severe weather safety training but can't make it in-person. Registration links are available on our webpage (weather.gov/bis/skytrain).

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Just a reminder for Ag Producers who are wanting to burn when the Fire Danger Rating is High.👇👇👇 You need to report the controlled burn, and follow the guidelines below.

Please report your controlled burning by calling our dispatch center at: 701-228-5881.

This helps when fires get reported to our local fire departments, and a controlled burn has been reported.

Please be mindful of the danger, during such dry conditions!

05/19/2026

Just a reminder for Ag Producers who are wanting to burn when the Fire Danger Rating is High.👇👇👇 You need to report the controlled burn, and follow the guidelines below.

Please report your controlled burning by calling our dispatch center at: 701-228-5881.

This helps when fires get reported to our local fire departments, and a controlled burn has been reported.

05/18/2026

Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is May 17-23 https://www.ndda.nd.gov/news/emerald-ash-borer-awareness-week-may-17-23

The emerald ash borer (EAB) attacks true ash trees, killing them within several years. EAB has been found in LaMoure and Cass counties and is also found in 37 additional states and 6 Canadian provinces, including our neighbors, Minnesota, South Dakota and Manitoba.

EAB spreads slowly on its own but can be moved long distances in firewood and ash nursery stock. To help prevent the spread, please buy your firewood from local sources or use certified heat-treated firewood.

05/15/2026

Another dry and windy day, with an Extreme Fire Danger Rating and a Red Flag Warning. Please no burning, and be diligent in calling 911 when you see a fire or smoke.

05/14/2026

A Blowing Dust Warning is in effect through 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/ for northwest and north central North Dakota. A Blowing Dust Advisory is also in effect for portions of southwest and south central North Dakota. In the Warning area, look for visibilities frequently under a mile, and down to a quarter mile or less at times. Use caution if driving. If you have respiratory problems stay indoors until the storm passes. Visibilities in the Advisory area may drop below a mile at times.

05/14/2026

he National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for Blowing Dust for Bottineau County. The High Wind Advisory will be in effect until 9:00pm this evening.

Visibility could be reduced to under 1 mile in some areas of Central ND today! High-profile vehicle travel is especially dangerous at this time.

A dust storm usually arrives suddenly in the form of an advancing wall of dust and debris which may be miles long and several thousand feet high. They strike with little warning, making driving conditions hazardous. Blinding, choking dust can quickly reduce visibility, causing accidents that may involve chain collisions, creating massive pileups. Dust storms usually last only a few minutes, but the actions a motorist takes during the storm may be the most important of his or her life.

Dust Storm Safety Tips
If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated. LIGHTS ON!

Very strong westerly winds will develop today and continue through Friday. Areas in a High Wind Warning could see wind gusts up to 65 mph, while areas in a Wind Advisory could see wind gusts up to 55 mph. Patchy blowing dust is expected!