The detonation of the bright, sparkling explosives could be dampened this year due to the unprecedented drought conditions throughout the state. Earlier in the spring, many counties adopted burn bans that are in place whenever the counties are in a “high,” “very high” or “extreme” risk of fire danger per the North Dakota Fire Danger Rating Map.
The map is updated daily. As of Thursday, June 17, at least 20 counties that are in the “high” or “very high” range have a burn ban that includes the ignition of private fireworks. If the fire danger map were not to change until July 4, much of western North Dakota would have a ban on igniting fireworks.
Many of these burn bans also prohibit farmland burns, campfires, garbage burning and driving vehicles off-road, all common wildfire causes.
For the counties that do have a burn ban in place, violators could be subject to a $1,500 fine and 30 days in jail, according to North Dakota Century Code. If a burn ban is in enacted in counties that have fireworks included in their bans, these penalties could also apply to people who set off fireworks.
It's hard to say whether counties will still be in the “high” or “very high” fire danger risk category come Independence Day, but as of Thursday much of western North Dakota had a ban on igniting fireworks, said State Forester Tom Claeys.
Fireworks are popular in North Dakota, and even more people may want to use them this year as the holiday coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic waning in the state, Claeys said.
“Fireworks are something we expect North Dakotans to participate in this year, especially after we've come through a pandemic,” he said. “It's an expression of freedom and something that we've traditionally been accustomed to enjoying in North Dakota.”
Each year, there is a risk to personal safety and property whenever fireworks are set off. This year, the stakes are high because a small spark could start a wildfire that burns hundreds of acres, according to the North Dakota Forest Service.
More than 1,400 wildfires started in the state so far this year, and more than 100,000 acres have burned, according to data from the state's Department of Emergency Services and the state Forest Service. Ninety percent of wildfires are human caused, Claeys said.
Only eight counties in North Dakota do not have some kind of burn ban in place depending on the fire danger, one of which is Grand Forks County. Cass County has a burn ban enacted when the county has a "very high" or "extreme" fire danger rating, which it did not have as of Thursday.
Many counties also have their burn bans enacted whenever there is a Red Flag Warning, which means there's greater fire danger because of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
Although many counties already have a fireworks ban under their burn bans, some are considering adopting a specific ordinance for the prohibition of fireworks usage, such as Ward County.
The county that encompasses Minot has a burn ban in place whenever its fire danger is "very high" or "extreme," but Ward County Emergency Management is considering recommending a specific fireworks ban to send a more direct message, said the county's Emergency Management Director Jennifer Wiechmann.
The city of Minot has a fireworks ban within the city limits regardless of the fire danger, she said.
The North Dakota Forest Service recommends residents check the local burn regulations before using fireworks. If fireworks are allowed, the department recommends people light the fireworks away from other people, houses and flammable material and to only light one firework at a time. It also advises people to keep a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency.
Readers can reach reporter Michelle Griffith, a Report for America corps member, at mgriffith@forumcomm.com.
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June 18, 2021 at 09:30PM
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If fire danger persists, much of western North Dakota could have fireworks ban ahead of July 4 - The Dickinson Press
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