2026 Burn Restrictions

Posted 2/18/26 (Wed)

2026 Fire Emergency Burn Restrictions for McLean County, North Dakota

Enacted February 18, 2026

Whereas, McLean County, North Dakota has and is expected to continue to endure periods of dry conditions with significant vegetative fuels available; and

Whereas, all available resources remain committed to protecting life and property; and

Whereas, McLean County, has either sustained or been threatened with rural fires in the past and McLean County Emergency Management Office has consulted with local fire departments; and

Whereas, the impacts of fires could threaten the health, well-being, and safety of the citizens in McLean County; and

Whereas, the cost of emergency response, inordinate equipment wear/tear and the fire damages could exceed available McLean County resources; and

Whereas, McLean County, wishes to regulate activities within McLean County, which pose a potential hazard for such loss, should the present weather conditions continue.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of McLean County Commissioners declares a Fire Emergency and Automatic Burn Restriction effective when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is Very High, Extreme and/or a Red Flag Warning has been issued for McLean County, North Dakota, effective immediately through December 31, 2026.

• What's Included when the ND Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is Very High, Extreme and/or a Red Flag Warning
  • No Open Burning including burning of leaves; grass clipping; garbage or garbage pits; ignition of farm or crop residue or land; hay land; sloughs; construction debris; fallen trees; ground and aerial fireworks; and campfires, bonfires, and other recreational fires.
• What's Excluded when the ND Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is Very High, Extreme and/or a Red Flag Warning
  • Controlled Devices such as gas, charcoal, wood-fired, or pellet grills; patio fireplaces and chimineas; gas camp stoves; and smokers only when the device or devices is/are on a hard, non-organic surface and 15 feet away from vegetation and an extinguisher or water is available onsite.

Any individual who willfully violates this burn restriction is guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor as defined in North Dakota Century Code 37-17.1-10.1 with a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and a $1,500.00 fine. Restitution of fire suppression costs may be sought from the court. The McLean County Sheriff's Department is authorized to issue citations to violators.

Burning is prohibited if the Fire Index is in Extreme Category as Issued by National Weather Service as per North Dakota Administrative Code, Title 33.1, Article 15, Chapter 4.

The North Dakota Rural Fire Danger Guide is posted on the McLean County website www.mcleancountynd.gov or residents can contact the McLean County Sheriff's Office at 701-462-8103.