Mandan Rural Fire Department

08/27/2026

Drought Conditions Are Getting Worse in Morton County

Things are getting really dry across Morton County, and the area served by the Mandan Rural Fire Department is facing a growing wildfire threat.

Hot, dry weather has quickly dried out grasses, crops, and other fuels across the area. When things are this dry, fires are more likely to start and can spread fast. North Dakota officials have already declared a statewide fire emergency because of the worsening drought and wildfire risk.

Morton County has also declared a fire emergency and burn ban because vegetation is extremely dry and fires can spread quickly.

This is especially important for the Mandan Rural Fire Department. Our volunteer firefighters protect about 725 square miles of rural Morton County. When conditions are this dry, even a small spark can turn into a serious fire in no time.

Please take these conditions seriously. Follow all current burn restrictions, avoid anything that could start a fire, and do your part to prevent wildfires. Don't assume a small fire will be easy to control—the landscape is extremely dry and ready to burn right now.

If you see smoke or a fire, call 911 right away and give the best location information you can.

Our volunteer firefighters are ready to respond, but preventing fires in the first place is something we can all help with.

Stay safe, stay alert, and help protect our rural communities. 🚒🔥

(Maps below are the drought map released today compared to one week ago)

08/23/2026

...THIS POST IS OUTDATED...
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of North Dakota until 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT.

08/18/2026

Here is a news article regarding the Morton County Burn Ban and the fire west of Mandan yesterday

Mandan Rural Fire Department is reminding everyone that even with the recent rain, Morton County is still under a burn ban. MORE: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/08/17/mandan-rural-fire-chief-talks-burn-ban-following-sundays-fire/

08/16/2026

To piggy back off of our last post reminding everyone that even with the recent rains that Morton County is still in a Burn Ban. Fuels are still very dry some Fuels take 10-100 hours to gain or lose moisture, some fuels also only take 1 hours to gain or lose moisture so those fuels are already dried out today.

At approx.. 13:15 on 8/16/2036 The MRFD was dispatched west of Mandan for an fire. It was determined to be started by a landowner burning weeds. Even with the recent rains the fire got out of control and was extinguished at approx. 14:00 after burning approx. 3 acres.

Please follow all Burn Bans and Fire declarations we are all in this together lets hope for more rain so we can go back to having burns on days the Fire Danger Index is Low or Moderate.

08/16/2026

🔥 Burn Ban Reminder🔥

Despite the recent rains, Morton County remains under a burn ban.

While some areas received beneficial rainfall, portions of Morton County did not receive as much rain and remain dry. Conditions can vary significantly across the county, so please don’t assume that recent rainfall means it is safe to burn.

Please continue to follow the burn ban and refrain from outdoor burning until the ban has officially been lifted.

Thank you for helping protect our communities, homes, property, and first responders. 🚫🔥

Open burning is prohibited, including:
-Campfires
-Controlled burns
-Agricultural burning
-Outdoor fireplaces and wood-burning chimineas
-Fireworks (aerial and ground)
-Garbage/pit burning
-Charcoal and wood-fired grills/smokers
-Outdoor welding and hot work

Gas grills, gas patio fireplaces, gas camp stoves, and similar gas-fired devices are allowed ONLY if they are:
✔️ On a hard, non-organic surface
✔️ At least 15 feet from vegetation
✔️ Used with a fire extinguisher or water source readily available

Please do your part to help prevent wildland fires by ensuring trailer chains are not dragging and avoiding parking or driving on dry grass.

Violations of the Fire Emergency and Burn Ban are a Class B Misdemeanor and may result in penalties of up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

08/12/2026

(this post is outdated)

Morton County has been added to this Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for parts of southern North Dakota until 1 AM CDT tonight. There are currently thunderstorms ongoing in both southwest North Dakota and the James River Valley, so stay weather aware and pass along any reports!

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for parts of southern North Dakota until 1 AM CDT tonight. There are currently thunderstorms ongoing in both southwest North Dakota and the James River Valley, so stay weather aware and pass along any reports!

08/10/2026

Drought + harvest = increased risk for fires 🔥

Before heading to the field, take time to inspect your combine, clean away dust and chaff, and check electrical and hydraulic systems for potential problems.

Most importantly, put safety first. If conditions become too hot, dry or windy, consider stopping until things improve. Equipment and crops can be replaced........ you cannot.

Read more https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/newsreleases/2026/august/reduce-risk-of-combine-fires-with-regular-preventative-maintenance

08/10/2026

🔥 LOW FIRE DANGER INDEX DOES NOT MEAN NO FIRE DANGER 🔥

A low fire danger index can be reassuring — but it does not mean that conditions on the ground are safe from fire.

Here in Morton County, we need to look beyond a single number. Dry fuels, wind, low humidity, and the current condition of the vegetation can all contribute to a fire starting and spreading quickly. Even when the overall fire danger index is rated “low,” a fire can still become a serious threat under the right conditions.

Please don’t let a low fire danger rating create a false sense of security. Use caution with anything that could start a fire, be mindful of changing weather conditions, and remember that fire conditions can change quickly.

🔥 Low does not mean zero.
🔥 Stay aware. Stay cautious. Help protect Morton County.

(note these pictures were taken from the passenger seat and once the fire was contained)

08/08/2026