Burgum requests disaster declaration due to North Dakota wildfires
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November 22, 2024
BISMARCK, N.D.–Gov. Doug Burgum has requested a presidential major disaster declaration to assist in recovery from historic wildfires that raged across northwest North Dakota in early October, causing damage that’s expected to exceed $8 million.
In a letter to President Joe Biden, Burgum requested a major disaster be declared for Williams and McKenzie counties.
Burgum said the fast-spreading wildfires, driven by strong winds of 50-60 mph with gusts of nearly 80 mph were unlike anything North Dakota has experienced in recent memory, claiming two lives and causing widespread damage to utilities and other public infrastructure as well as homes, land and livestock.