Reminder that Burning Is Prohibited During Elevated Fire Conditions

Cass County officials are reminding residents that outdoor burning is prohibited whenever the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating for Cass County is classified as High, Very High or Extreme and/or when a Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service.

The Cass County Board of Commissioners declared a fire emergency and enacted burn restrictions through Nov. 30, 2026, due to abundant dry vegetation and ongoing hot, dry and windy weather conditions. The restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect lives, property and natural resources throughout the county.

Residents are urged to check the daily Fire Danger Rating before conducting any outdoor burning activities. Current fire conditions are available at ndresponse.gov/burn.

Open burning activities prohibited under the restrictions include:

• Campfires
• Controlled burns, including wood piles, tree piles and tumbleweeds
• Cropland and agricultural burning
• Fireworks, including aerial and ground-based fireworks
• Garbage and pit burning

Certain controlled devices are permitted, provided they are used on a hard, non-organic surface, are located at least 15 feet from vegetation and have a fire extinguisher or water source readily available. Permitted devices include:

• Gas grills
• Gas patio fireplaces and chimineas
• Gas camp stoves
• Charcoal or wood-fired grills
• Patio fireplaces and chimineas
• Smokers

Violations of the burn restrictions are classified as a Class B misdemeanor under North Dakota Century Code Section 37-17.1-10.1 and may result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.

County officials remind residents that burn restrictions are automatically in effect whenever the fire danger rating is High, Very High or Extreme and/or when a Red Flag Warning has been issued. Compliance with the restrictions helps protect neighboring properties and reduces the risk of potentially devastating wildfires.