Support needed after deadly wildfires merge in North Dakota

A devastating series of wildfires in Williams County, North Dakota, has claimed the lives of two individuals and ravaged nearly 90,000 acres, marking it as the largest wildfire incident in the state during the recent disaster. The Williams County Commission declared an emergency on October 8 in response to the fires, which have destroyed approximately 88,934 acres across central and eastern Williams County, roughly equivalent to 140 square miles.

As of Tuesday, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services reported that 99 percent of the fire was contained. However, the damage has been significant, affecting both the land and the local ranching community.

Ryan Perdue, a cattle rancher and volunteer fireman from Ray, reported to Minot Daily News that six of his cattle went missing in the chaos of the fires. Fortunately, they were located, but they suffered burns on their stomachs and singed fur. “I gotta give them shots and antibiotics just to keep them from getting sick,” he explained, highlighting the risks of infection due to their injuries. The fires also resulted in substantial losses for Perdue, including 400 bales of hay, a tractor, and an entire pasture, totaling around $30,000.

The wildfires ignited over the weekend during a period of dry conditions and high winds, prompting authorities to issue red flag warnings. The Ray and Tioga fires merged into one large blaze, which now ranks as the largest in the state, overshadowing the Elkhorn fire near Watford City, which has burned 28,434 acres and is currently only 50 percent contained. The Bear Den fire near Mandaree has consumed nearly 11,746 acres with 30 percent containment.

As the wildfires continued to spread, emergency services in Williams County fielded 636 calls for assistance between Saturday and Sunday. Multiple fire departments, medical staff, law enforcement, and state agencies collaborated in firefighting efforts, with support also coming from neighboring Montana. Local residents participated in cutting fire lines in pastures to help prevent the fire’s spread, and companies from the oil and gas sector provided crucial supplies and firefighting resources.

Tragically, the fires resulted in the deaths of two individuals: Johannes Nicolaas Van Eden, 26, a ranch hand from South Africa, and Edgar Coppersmith, 47, of Tioga, who succumbed to critical injuries after being flown to Denver. A donation account has been established at the Bank of Tioga for the families of the victims.

North Dakota agriculture officials have yet to fully assess the extent of agricultural losses from the wildfires, but early estimates indicate staggering impacts on livestock and crops. “The losses are significant,” stated Julie Ellingson, executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. She emphasized that many farmers and ranchers have lost nearly everything due to the fires.

As officials continue to investigate the cause of the fires, reports suggest that high winds may have downed power lines, igniting the flames. The potential for future fires remains a concern, with Perdue noting that even after containment, there are still hotspots that could reignite.

In the wake of the fires, ranchers are urged to work closely with veterinarians to monitor the health of their livestock, as animals exposed to smoke are at higher risk for respiratory complications. North Dakota’s agricultural community is rallying together to support those affected, as recovery efforts begin to address the profound losses experienced in the region.

Resources for ranchers, and supporters

Producers impacted by natural disasters, such as wildfires, can access several federal programs designed to provide assistance. Marcy Svenningsen, the Farm Service Agency state executive director for North Dakota, encourages affected individuals to reach out to their local county FSA offices for guidance and support. Available programs include crop insurance, the Conservation Reserve Program for haying and grazing, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, and the Livestock Indemnity Program, among others.

“Local county offices of USDA Farm Service Agency stand ready to assist producers impacted by wildfires,” Svenningsen stated.

Documentation is essential for many assistance programs. While it may be emotionally challenging to photograph and document losses on farms and ranches affected by the fires, such records are crucial for future claims.

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring noted that federal programs historically have not covered livestock deaths occurring after a natural disaster, but discussions are underway to advocate for better coverage for losses due to injuries and illnesses sustained from fires.

NDSU Extension is actively coordinating with state and federal partners to assess agricultural losses and encourages impacted producers to contact local Extension offices for help.

For those in need of feed, the Hay Hotline has been reactivated. Goehring explained that this hotline not only assists producers in locating hay but also facilitates “rancher relief” by coordinating donations. Producers can call the special hotline number at 701-328-5110 for more information. For additional details on the Hay Hotline, visit the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s website.

Mental health resources are also available for producers facing overwhelming situations due to disasters. NDSU Extension offers a variety of resources on mental health and farm stress management. The Farm to Farm program provided by Together Counseling connects producers with therapists who understand agricultural concerns. Counseling services can be accessed in-person or via telehealth, and costs are covered through health insurance or farm stress grants from the USDA.

Immediate help is also available through the 211 Information and Referral Helpline and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

In addition to the Hay Hotline, Goehring noted that it can be used to advertise available feeds. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation is organizing relief efforts to gather donations, while the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota is accepting contributions for fire relief, including monetary donations and supplies.

Farm Rescue, a North Dakota-based organization, provides assistance for planting, haying, harvesting, and feeding livestock to families affected by natural disasters. They are also seeking donations to support their efforts.

Various donation drives are ongoing to support firefighters and emergency services, including a fundraising effort in Ray, North Dakota, to support local fire department personnel.