Burleigh and Emmons Counties Enact Burn Restrictions

Fire emergencies declared in two North Dakota counties amid dry conditions.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:48pm

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A sweeping landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, with a heavy, foreboding sky dominating the horizon and dwarfing the small, isolated structures in the foreground, conveying a sense of the overwhelming power of nature.The looming threat of wildfires casts a somber mood over the vast, windswept prairies of North Dakota.Bismarck Today

Burleigh and Emmons counties in North Dakota have declared fire emergencies and issued burn restrictions effective immediately. The restrictions will remain in place through October 31st but could be rescinded earlier depending on atmospheric conditions. The state is experiencing an abnormally dry period that has raised the threat of rural fires.

Why it matters

Burn restrictions are an important public safety measure during periods of heightened fire risk. With North Dakota facing abnormally dry conditions, the restrictions aim to prevent accidental fires from spreading and causing damage to rural areas and property.

The details

The burn restrictions prohibit all open burning, including campfires, bonfires, and the burning of yard waste. Residents are advised to check for up-to-date information on burn restrictions across the state, which can be found online.

  • The burn restrictions went into effect immediately on April 8, 2026.
  • The restrictions will remain in place through October 31, 2026, but could be rescinded earlier depending on weather conditions.

The players

Burleigh County

A county in central North Dakota that has declared a fire emergency and issued burn restrictions.

Emmons County

A county in south-central North Dakota that has declared a fire emergency and issued burn restrictions.

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What’s next

Residents should continue to monitor the status of the burn restrictions, as they could be lifted earlier than the October 31st deadline if conditions improve.

The takeaway

The burn restrictions in Burleigh and Emmons counties underscore the heightened fire risk facing North Dakota due to abnormally dry conditions. Residents should be vigilant about fire safety and adhere to the restrictions to prevent accidental blazes from spreading.