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Fire Safety & Burning

Fire safety is a shared responsibility. This section provides information on fire prevention, safe burning practices, and seasonal fire risks in Morton County

 

 

 

Index

 Fire Danger Guidelines and ND Daily Fire Danger Map


 

 

 

 Fire/Wildfire Prevention

 

Most wildfires are caused by lightning during extreme dry or drought weather conditions.  However, an alarming number of fires are ignited by acts of human carelessness.

 


Here are some helpful tips to follow.

What is the safest way to build, maintain, and extinguish a campfire?

Check the Fire Danger Rating to determine the fire category for the day you are having the campfire to see if campfires are restricted or prohibited.

  • Clear campfire sight down to bare soil and circle the campfire pit with rocks/bricks.
  • Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, dry grass leaves and debris.
  • Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • When putting out a campfire, drown the fire with water, stir the embers, and drown it again.
  • Always have an adult present to supervise outdoor fires and cooking.
  • Be careful with gas lanterns, barbeques, gas stoves and anything that can be a source of ignition.

 

Where can I use fireworks on public lands?

  • The use of fireworks is strictly prohibited on ALL Federal and State public lands.

What is the safest way to burn trash?

  • Check the daily Fire Danger Index to determine the fire category for the day you want to burn to see if open burning is restricted or prohibited by a local burn ban.
  • Burn trash in a safe incinerator that includes: Heavy mesh screen with holes not much larger than 1/4 inch and a metal barrel in good condition.
  • Clear the area of flammable material at least 10 feet around the incinerator/burn barrel.

How do I safely operate and off-road vehicle on public lands when the fire potential is high?

  • Check the Fire Danger Index for local conditions to see if off-road travel is restricted or prohibited.
  • Avoid driving and parking your vehicle in tall dry grass.
  • Never throw a lit cigarette out of the window of a vehicle.
  • Grease trailer wheels, check tires and ensure safety chains are not touching the ground.
  • All off-road vehicles require a spark arrester and should be checked and cleaned periodically.
  • Carry a shovel and fire extinguisher in your vehicle, OHV/ATV.

What can kids do to help prevent wildfires?

  • Never let children play with matches, lighters, flammable liquids or any fire. 
  • Educate your children and friends about fire prevention in the outdoors.
  • Stay calm during an emergency, and listen to instruction's from parents or another person who is in charge during outdoor activities.
    Additional information can be obtained by contacting your local fire department or the Morton County Law Enforcement Center at 667-3405.

 

Understanding Fire Danger Ratings and Burn Restrictions

Fire Prevention Information:

Looking for helpful fire information? Below are links providing fire safety lesson plans and fire prevention tips and guidelines. 

 Safe Open Burning & Controlled Burn Practices

When the ND Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is High, Very High, Extreme, or a Red Flag Warning is issued, all open burning is prohibited! This includes campfires, controlled burns (i.e. wood piles, tumbleweeds, tree piles, etc.), cropland/agricultural burning, outdoor fireplaces and chimineas, fireworks aerial, fireworks ground, garbage/pit burning, charcoal grills/smokers, wood fire grills/smokers, smoking, and outdoor welding/hot work.

 

What’s Excluded

Controlled Devices: Only when device(s) (gas, charcoal, wood-fired/pellet grills, patio fireplaces and chimineas, gas camp stoves, and smokers/pellet grills) is/are on a hard, non-organic surface and 15’ away from vegetation and an extinguisher or water is available on site.

 
These restrictions are in place to help prevent wildfires and protect lives and property. Stay informed on daily fire danger ratings and follow all burn restrictions.
 
Mandan, New Salem, Glen Ullin, and Hebron follow their own city ordinance or fire code, so please check with your local fire chief for information relating to ordinance or fire codes if you are a resident of one of these cities. 
New Salem follows county guidelines with exceptions outlined in their backyard burning ordinance found below.
 


NOTE: We understand some rural properties use farmyard incinerators for waste disposal. During a county burn restriction, these devices are still an outdoor ignition source and can produce embers, smoke, and escaped fire. Because our declaration is tied to High, Very High, Extreme fire danger, or Red Flag Warning conditions, farmyard incinerators are not automatically exempt. Residents should use normal solid-waste disposal options until burn restrictions are not in effect.

Controlled Burn Procedures

 

Morton County has issued the following procedures for landowners, contractors, equipment operators, and outdoor enthusiasts when engaged in open areas for conducting controlled or open burning. The following procedures are to ensure that open burning is coordinated with the proper authorities for maximum safety to both people and property.

  • Check with your local Fire Chief where you desire to conduct open burning.

  • Morton County citizens must contact State Radio at 701-328-9921 to request a controlled burn, so that emergency responders are not dispatched for reports of fire.  Be prepared to give your name, contact number, location of the controlled burn and anticipated duration of the burn.  

 

  • After the burning is completed and the fire is out, again contact State Radio at 701-328-9921 to inform them of completion.

  • A controlled burn needs to be physically monitored at all times.  Once the fire is started, do not leave the site unattended until the fire is completely out.

  • Be prepared if the fire gets out of hand.  Call 911 immediately and have resources available to mitigate the effects (water, extinguisher, tractor, shovels).

 

Residents are urged to know and follow the fire precautions on the ND Response Fire Safety page. 


 

 Firework Safety

Firework Safety

Fireworks can be dangerous and are a common cause of fires and injuries, especially during dry or windy conditions. Residents are encouraged to use caution and be aware of current fire risk before using fireworks.

Before You Use Fireworks

  • Check local weather and wind conditions
  • Be aware of current fire danger levels
  • Follow any burn restrictions or emergency declarations
  • Only use fireworks in safe, open areas away from buildings, dry grass, and other flammable materials

Safe Use Tips

  • Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
  • Light one firework at a time and move away quickly
  • Do not relight malfunctioning fireworks
  • Never use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Children & Fireworks Safety

Fireworks should always be handled by responsible adults.

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks
  • Sparklers can reach extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns
  • Keep a safe distance between children and active fireworks
  • Supervise all fireworks use closely
  • Consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks or other non-fire-based activities

After Use

  • Fully extinguish used fireworks with water
  • Soak debris before disposal
  • Check the surrounding area for smoldering materials

Fire Risk Awareness

During periods of high fire danger, fireworks use may increase the risk of grass or wildland fires.

Conditions that increase risk:

  • dry vegetation
  • high winds
  • drought conditions

Residents are encouraged to avoid fireworks use during these conditions, even if legally permitted.

Fireworks Laws & Regulations

For information on when and where fireworks are allowed, including legal dates, times, and restrictions:

Visit the Sheriff’s Office –Fireworks Sales & Use page