04/20/2026
Richland County Burn Ban Declaration on High Fire Index Days
Richland County is currently experiencing dry conditions across the county due to minimal rainfall.
Richland County has been sustaining surface winds, frequent wind gusts, in excess of 25 mph with abrupt change in speed and direction and our unusually hot and dry conditions this spring put us into a "extreme or very high fire alert",
These conditions accelerate the threat of fire danger for the public, residents, and property in Richland County,
The Entire State is showing signs of drought conditions,
The Richland County Board of Commission are concerned with the safety of the public, the emergency responders, and the property that lies within the county due to these conditions.
The Board of Richland County Commissioners have declared a Fire Emergency and Burn Ban to include a ban on garbage burning, campfires and burning of farm or crop land when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Index is in the High, Very High, Critical or near Critical Fire Weather or Extreme category and/or Red Flag Warning has been issued for Richland County, North Dakota. The daily Rangeland Fire Index can be found at the following website: https://ndresponse.gov/burn-ban-restrictions-fire-danger-maps.
What's Included: (not allowed)
Open Burning: Includes burning of leaves, grass clippings, garbage/pits, construction debris, fallen trees, crop residue, or hay land, sloughs, and campfires/bonfires.
What's Excluded: (allowable)
Controlled Devises: Only when device (gas, charcoal, or wood-fired grills, patio fireplaces and chimineas, gas camp stoves, wood smokers) is on a hard non-organic surface and 15' away from vegetation and fire extinguisher or water is available on site.
THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THE BURN BAN IS A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR (NDCC 37-17.1-10.1: MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND $1,500 FINE).
Dated at Richland County Courthouse in Wahpeton, ND this 20th day of April, 2026.
