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Departments : Emergency Management : Fire
Controlled Burn Procedures (not applicable during a Burn Ban)
Burleigh County has controlled burn procedures for area residents. Landowners, equipment operators and outdoor enthusiasts are requested to take proper precautions during all open burning situations:
• Citizens should contact the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department (222-6651) before a controlled burn is started so that emergency responders are not dispatched for reports of a fire when it is a controlled burn. Be prepared to give your name, contact number, location of controlled burn, and anticipated duration of the burn. After the burning is completed and the fire is out, again contact the Sheriff's Department to inform them of the completion.
• A controlled burn needs to be physically monitored at all times. Once the fire is started, don't walk away until the fire is completely out.
• Be prepared if the fire gets out of hand. Call 911 immediately and have resources available to mitigate the affects (shovels, tractor).
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Burn Ban Information
Local governments may instituate a burn ban regardless of the fire danger index.
The first offense of a burn ban is a Class B misdemeanor; up to 30 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
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ND Rural Fire Danger Guide
Residents are urged to follow the precautions in the ND Rural Fire Danger Guide which lists the outdoor activity guidelines for the five danger indices (Low, Medium, High, Very High, and Extreme). Open burning and off-road motorized travel is prohibited when the Fire Index is in the Extreme Category.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Statement each morning during fire season from April 1 to October 31:
North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Statement
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Summer Fire Safety
It's the time of year to celebrate, and Burleigh County and Morton County Emergency Services want to remind citizens to have fun this summer while recreating and celebrating events. July 4th usually brings large events and social outings.
• Fireworks can be legally sold June 27th thru July 5th (NDCC 23-15-01); however, fireworks may not be utilized or possessed within the City of Bismarck. Fireworks are permitted in rural Burleigh County, rural Morton County, and within the City of Mandan.
• Citizens are asked to properly dispose of their used fireworks as well as an accompanying packaging.
• The following conditions will prohibit the use of fireworks: When a Burleigh County Burn Ban is in effect, or when a Red Flag Warning is issued, or when the ND Rangeland Fire Danger Index is in the Very High or Extreme Index.
According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA):
On an annual basis, approximately 15,000 Americans are injured by fireworks and grill fires. More than half these injuries occur during the first week of July.
Families also enjoy camping in the summer. It is important to follow the park's rules for the use and extinguishing of campfires.
Summertime should be a time for fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.
Fireworks Safety
• The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.
• If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
• Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.
• Supervise children around fireworks at all times.
Barbecue Safety
• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.
Campfire Safety
• Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
• Keep campfires small, and don't let them get out of hand.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you're done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
• Never leave campfires unattended.
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USFA for Kids
Each year in the United States an estimated 2,800 children age 14 or younger are injured and 850 killed in residential fires. Of these children, over 40 percent are under the age five, 70 percent are under the age of 10. Because the majority of fire casualties occur in children under the age of 10, USFA Kids is targeted towards that age group.
The goals of USFA Kids are to:
1. Increase the level of individual concern and awareness of children's vulnerability to fire.
2. Educate and inform the U.S. population about how personal responsibility and action is key to preventing fires and fire-related casualties.
3. Provide a timely, coordinated and easy-to-access source of information about how individuals can prevent fires and fire-related casualties.
On this Website, you will find short lessons about fire escape planning, smoke alarms and general home fire safety. It is recommended that an adult guide children through the lessons. Each lesson is followed by a brief five-question quiz to test children's knowledge of the subject after they have worked through the lesson. Also on the site, you will find games to reinforce the information learned in the lessons. Finally, through a 10-question quiz, children will have the opportunity to earn a Jr. Fire Marshal certificate signed by the Assistant Administrator, U.S. Fire Administration.
Enter the USFA for Kids Website
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Firewise Safety
You can reduce the probability of wildfire loss if you adopt Firewise landscaping processes in the area around your home.
Landscaping
- Mow the lawn regularly. Prune all trees so the lowest limbs are six to 10 feet from the ground. Remove dried leaves, pine needles and other dead vegetation.
- Remove things that can burn easily, move firewood, and clear dead and dense vegetation from at least 30 feet from around the house.
- Within five feet of the home, use nonflammable landscaping materials, such as rock, pavers, annuals, and high-moisture-content perennials.
- Keep firewood stacks and propane tanks at least 30 feet from the home.
- Trees and shrubs should be well-spaces, watered and properly pruned. Remove dead or low-handing branches.
Fuels
Fire needs fuel in order to burn. Reducing the amount of fuel around the home will slow a fire's progress. Dispose of branches and grasses in accordance with local regulations. "Ladder fuels" (the shrubs, vines and other flammable vegetation under large trees) are one of the more significant ways wildfires gain strength and power.
For these and other Firewise Safety practices and pictures, please see Firewise
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