North Dakota Wildfires: Presidential Major Disaster Declaration Finally Granted!

Gov. Kelly Armstrong today expressed appreciation for the announcement that President Joe Biden has granted North Dakota’s appeal for a presidential major disaster declaration to support recovery efforts from unprecedented wildfires that affected regions of western North Dakota in early October, with damages estimated to exceed $8 million.

In a letter dated Nov. 21, then-Gov. Doug Burgum addressed Biden via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), seeking a major disaster declaration for the events of Oct. 5-6 for Williams and McKenzie counties.

The granted appeal provides access to federal funding for state, tribal, and qualifying local governments, along with certain nonprofit organizations, to assist in covering expenses related to emergency responses and the restoration or replacement of damaged infrastructure.

Rural electric cooperatives in McKenzie and Williams counties incurred damages estimated at $3.7 million during the wildfires of Oct. 5-6, which were fueled by powerful winds ranging from 50-60 mph, with gusts approaching 80 mph. Although the wildfire damages did not reach the thresholds required for individual assistance from FEMA, farmers and ranchers experienced considerable losses as well.

Individuals affected can access financial, mental, and physical recovery resources at ndresponse.gov/wildfire-recovery.