DICKINSON — Forest Service law enforcement and fire personnel are investigating two recent fires in the Medora Ranger District, both attributed to recreational activities. The fires occurred amid increasing temperatures and dry conditions, heightening concerns about wildfire risks in the area.
According to Dan Smiley, a law enforcement officer with the USDA Forest Service’s Dakota Prairie Grasslands, the fires are still under investigation. Smiley noted that such incidents are not uncommon, as rising temperatures and minimal precipitation have dried the landscape, making grasses, brush and other vegetation highly flammable.
Shane Tosse, fire prevention specialist with the USDA-FS DPG, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that human recreational activities are a leading cause of wildfires. Tosse urged visitors to be cautious, particularly during the dry season, and to follow posted regulations.
In 2024, wildfires have surged across U.S. Forest Service Ranger Districts, driven by rising temperatures, low precipitation and dry conditions. As of early September, there are 67 large active wildfires being managed nationwide, with over 2 million acres burned.
The National Interagency Fire Center has deployed more than 23,000 personnel to combat these fires, many of which are located in drought-prone areas exacerbated by human activity. Particularly vulnerable regions include the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Human causes remain a leading factor in fire outbreaks, with a significant focus on recreational activities in national forests, including the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. The USDA Forest Service has highlighted these conditions, stressing the importance of fire prevention strategies and safety measures for visitors.
To reduce the risk of wildfires, Tosse provided several campfire safety tips for those visiting the area. These include using existing fire rings, clearing combustible material within 6 feet of a campfire, and ensuring the fire is completely extinguished before leaving. He also advised bringing tools such as a shovel, bucket and axe to control or extinguish any potential fire spread.
Additionally, Tosse cautioned that the hot exhaust from vehicles can ignite tall grass, urging drivers to be mindful of where they park.
Smiley also reminded recreationists that binary explosive targets, commonly referred to as Tannerite, are prohibited on National Forest Service lands. Firearm safety guidelines were also highlighted, including the rule that no firearms may be discharged within 150 yards of a campsite, building, or recreation area.
Recreationists are encouraged to monitor fire conditions and adhere to safety precautions while visiting the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Current fire danger maps and burn ban information are updated daily on the North Dakota government’s website.
For more information and updates on fire safety, visitors can check the USDA Forest Service’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.
James B. Miller, Jr. is the Editor of The Dickinson Press in Dickinson, North Dakota. He strives to bring community-driven, professional and hyper-local focused news coverage of southwest North Dakota.
link