In early October, wildfires driven by high winds and extreme drought conditions swept across northwestern North Dakota, burning more than 110,000 acres. In perhaps one of the worst seasons for fire in the state’s history, two people lost their lives, countless livestock were killed or affected by fire, and thousands of acres of grazing lands and infrastructure were destroyed.
Julie Ellingson is the executive vice president for the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA), which is working to help provide disaster relief to livestock producers affected by fire.
“This is obviously the dryer time of year, and, of course, there can be some fire associated with harvest from time to time,” Julie told WLJ. “But this season really stands out as maybe one of the worst in state history—not only because of its size, but the extensive losses.”
Fires broke out in the northwest portion of the state on Saturday, Oct. 5. A complex of two fires, the Ray and Tioga fires, burned across Williams County, burning nearly 89,000 acres. An additional three wildfires broke out in McKenzie County: the Elkhorn Fire, the Bear Den Fire and another fire that was controlled before it was worsened by wind. Investigations regarding the fires’ starts are still ongoing.
Estimates for livestock losses are preliminary, Julie said. The National Weather Service predicts a significant loss in livestock, and the North Dakota State University Extension is in the process of assessing loss and tallying numbers. A preliminary report as of Oct. 29 shared one county had lost at least 254 head of cattle in the fires.
“There were many others that survived but have other issues—burns or respiratory issues that unfortunately will manifest over time,” Julie added. “Clinic care and rehabilitating those animals will be an ongoing project.”
A better idea of the total livestock losses will likely come after Livestock Indemnity Program applications are submitted and NDSU Extension completes its assessments. In addition to livestock impacts, many acres of rangeland burnt and at least four occupied farmsteads were destroyed.
“We do know that some families were very hard hit by the fire moving up to 80 miles an hour,” Julie said. “It’s hard to imagine what that would be like.”
Julie applauded the coordinated response to the fires between state agencies and partner organizations.
“Responding to something of that magnitude—a fire with that large of footprint and that persists over a couple of weeks—is quite a feat,” she said. “So, I was really proud of the coordinated effort and the information sharing that was had through the process.”
Of the 10,884 acres burned during the Elkhorn Fire, a little less than half was privately owned, Steve Best, public affairs officer for U.S. Forest Service Dakota Prairie Grasslands, told WLJ in an email. The McKenzie County Grazing Association holds the permit for grazing within the area of the Elkhorn Fire, and parts of four allotments were affected by the fire. Best said that local range staff is working with the grazing association to manage the duration, frequency and intensity of livestock use on allotments affected by wildfire.
“Flexible management will be applied to the allotments when possible,” Best said. “Some of those flexibilities may include adjusting allotment entry and off dates, livestock number adjustments and season of use.”
Relief efforts
Several relief efforts are underway for livestock producers impacted by fire.
“There has been an incredible outpouring of support from people across the state, and across the nation for that matter,” Julie said.
NDSA and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation are coordinating the “Out of the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program” to aid livestock producers. Monetary funds will be distributed to eligible ranchers through an application and nomination process.
“Applications will be confidentially screened and 100% of the pool of funds that we have available will be used for impacted producers,” Julie said. “We will steward those dollars like they were ours and distribute them in their entirety to those who were impacted.”
As of early November, more than 130 unique donors had already contributed to the fund, which was valued at approximately $350,000 on top of the initial $50,000 allocated to the fund.
“We are really, really grateful,” she said. “Disaster like this really brings out the best in others, and the generosity, care and support that people provide in a time of need really is inspiring.”
Monetary contributions to the Out of the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program can be made two ways. Checks can be made to the NDSF with “Out of the Ashes” written in the memo and sent to 4520 Ottawa St., Bismarck, ND 58503. Credit card donations may be made at tinyurl.com/mvedssf2.
Heading into the winter, affected ranchers will now be faced with the loss of their grazing land and feed supplies.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is coordinating donated hay resources through the Hay Hotline, as well as listing hay available for sale. Producers needing hay or wanting to list their hay can call 701-328-5110.
Farm Rescue is offering support through its “Operation Hay Lift” to haul livestock feed and supplies to ranchers affected by fires. Those interested in donating hay can email info@farmrescue.org or call 701-252-2017. — Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
