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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, including businesses and area residents for their heartfelt support throughout the incident. 

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. 

On Saturday, firefighters continued to work hot spots mainly in the interior of the fire area. The work that the firefighters completed over the past week was tested by the higher winds. Their efforts proved to be successful as the fire lines held. Today, there in an increase in containment to 75%. In the coming days, Suppression Repair work will begin in some areas. Suppression repair is the work done to repair or minimize the fire impacts to resources and lands that resulted from firefighting activities. 

It’s been a long week, and it’s one of the few remaining warm weekends before winter blows across the land. If you’re thinking about getting out for some well-deserved recreational activities this weekend, we’re with you! Great! However, due to current severe fire dangers and ongoing fire operations, such as the Elkhorn Fire blazing throughout the western North Dakota region, recreational activities are restricted. 

Elkhorn Fire 10/10/2024Acreage: 10,313Containment: 60%Yesterday, more accurate maps were created utilizing satellite imagery that showed a decrease in estimated acreage. The map will continue to be refined as more information is gathered. 

Elkhorn Fire Update, Evening October 9, 2024A new map has been produced for the Elkhorn Fire. This map shows current acreage at 10,313 acres. We acknowledge that this is less than the initial estimate of 22,430 acres. Containment has increased to 60 percent. Our new estimate was created utilizing satellite imagery, which was then mapped in GIS. This produced a more accurate representation of actual acreage. We will continue to update and refine the map as more information is provided.

Elkhorn Fire Update – October 9, 2024We are working to produce an updated map that shows containment and acreage. It will be shared as soon as it is finalized. Firefighters are working to continue towards an increased containment of the fire with the anticipation of a cold front arriving on Thursday. The cold front may bring 12 to 16mph winds with gusts around 23mph. Additional resources have arrived to assist with the fire today. We would like to thank all the local, federal, and state agencies that have supported this effort. 

Elkhorn Fire Update – October 8, 2024Acres: 22,430Containment: 50%Key Message: 

Elkhorn Fire Update 10/7/2024:Today’s forecast indicates favorable weather conditions for firefighting activities and is it expected that firefighters will be able to maintain progress on containment of the fire perimeter. The North Dakota National Guard will utilize a helicopter to drop water in rugged terrain and other possible trouble spots on the north and east side of the fire. 

Elkhorn Fire Evening Update - 10/6/2026Acres: 22,430Containment: 20%Update: