On Tuesday September 10th, Fairview Fire Department responded to calls about a semi starting four grass fires along ND Highway 200 due to an unconfirmed mechanical issue. The semi driver continued on his route and was not stopped at any point. Fairview Fire Chief Ryan Taylor was assisted by Sidney Fire Department and Alexander Fire Department in shutting down the fire. He felt Sharbono Creek assisted as a physical barrier in preventing its spread, and if not for the creek’s location, they would possibly still be fighting the flames.
In total, 183 acres were burned with Kim and Kent Klose suffering the largest loss, including two outbuildings and a barn. Butch Kuykendall lost a fence line and pasture. McKenzie Electric has been busy replacing powerline poles that were damaged.
On March 5th, 2024, McKenzie County issued a Fire Emergency Burn Restriction Declaration, stating due to very dry conditions and significant fuel available for fires, there is a ban on the ignition of fireworks, garbage burning, campfires, burning of farm or crop land, and unnecessary off-road motorized travel when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Index is in the Very High or Extreme category and/or a Red Flag Warning has been issued for McKenzie County. Burn Permits can be issued by the Upper Missouri Heath District once approved by the local fire response authority. McKenzie County Emergency Management has applications for burn permits available and can be reached at (701) 444-7483. The North Dakota Fire Danger rating map can be found at https://ndresponse.gov/burn.
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