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Elkhorn Fire

Unit Information

North Dakota 
Bismarck, 
58503 
North Dakota 
Bismarck, 
58503 

Incident Contacts

Fire Information
Email: steven.best@usda.gov
Phone: 701-989-7283
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 PM

Highlighted Activity

Publication Type: Closures -
Elkhorn Fire Update: 10/14/2024Today, containment of the Elkhorn Fire remains at 75%.  Firefighters will continue to work on identifying and tending to interior hot spots and suppression repair work. We are asking the public to help prevent new fire starts by observing and understanding the Dakota Prairie Grasslands Emergency Fire Closure and Restriction. The full Closure can be found… Read more
Publication Type: News -
Elkhorn Fire Update: 10/16/2024Thanks to the successful work of all the firefighters who responded to the Elkhorn fire we can announce that the fire is 100% contained as of today. While the fire is contained, that doesn’t mean that the work is done. Firefighters will continue doing suppression repair work through the coming days. We would like to thank the Community of Watford City,… Read more
Publication Type: News -

Photo of smoke from Elkhorn Fire on October 5, 2024

Summary: 

The Elkhorn Fire started on October 5, 2024, approximately 8 miles south and 5 miles east of Watford City, ND. The fire rapidly spread in a south easterly direction driven by strong northwest winds. Local, state, and federal, resources responded to the incident. Because of the strong winds and rugged badlands terrain, suppression efforts were difficult. The fire has burned approximately 10,000 acres in a mix of private, state, and federal land. 

This is a full suppression fire. Local, state, and federal resources are working together to meet suppression objectives. 

Closures:

Elkhorn Fire Closure - 01-18-08-24-02; Please see "Closure Tab" for full order. Or, at the following link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/dpg/alerts-notices/?aid=91424 

Additional Information:

 

 

Basic Information
Current as of Wed, 10/16/2024 - 10:56
Incident Time Zone America/Chicago
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Unknown
Date of Origin
Location 8 miles south and 5 miles east of Watford City, ND
Incident Commander Dakota Prairie Grasslands; McKenzie Ranger District - Little Missouri National Grassland.
Incident Commander: Shane Tosse
Coordinates 47° 39' 25'' Latitude
-103° 6'
07
'' Longitude
Current Situation
Size 10,313 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained 100%