Updated_burn_restriction_Stark_County_8-4-2026

Stark County Fire Danger Index & Burn Restrictions

Protecting lives, property, and our natural resources starts with preventing wildfires. During periods of elevated fire danger, Stark County may implement burn restrictions to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

Burn restrictions are issued by the Stark County Commission, and may also be implemented by local city governing bodies when emergency fire conditions exist. Restrictions are announced through Stark County Emergency Management social media, and are reflected on the North Dakota Fire Danger and Burn Restrictions Map.

Any person who knowingly violates a burn restriction may be subject to penalties under North Dakota Century Code § 37-17.1-10.1, including a Class B misdemeanor. Restrictions may also prohibit the use of fireworks or other open flame activities.

 

Current Fire Danger & Burn Restrictions

The official North Dakota Fire Danger Rating and Burn Restrictions Map is updated daily and can be found at:

https://ndresponse.gov/burn-restrictions-fire-danger-maps

Before conducting any outdoor burning, always check the current Fire Danger Index. Common activities, such as campfires, do NOT require approval though individuals must follow restrictions based on the current Fire Danger index. 

Call 701-456-7759 before lighting a controlled burn.

Be prepared to provide:

  • Your name
  • Burn location
  • What will be burned (tree piles, pasture, agricultural debris, etc.)
  • Planned start time
  • Estimated duration
  • A phone number where you can be reached

Important: Notifying Dispatch does not grant permission to burn. The dispatcher records the information so responders know a planned burn is occurring and can avoid unnecessary emergency responses. Authorization to burn rests with the Fire Chief having jurisdiction.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What is the difference between a Burn Restriction and a Burn Ban?

Although people often use the terms interchangeably, they are different.


Burn Restriction: A Burn Restriction allows certain outdoor burning activities based on current fire conditions. As fire danger increases, additional restrictions are automatically put in place. This approach gives local officials flexibility to allow safe burning when conditions permit while restricting activities when the risk becomes too great.

Burn Ban: A Burn Ban is the highest level of restriction. During a burn ban, all open burning is prohibited, regardless of the Fire Danger Index, unless specifically exempted by the order.

 

Stark County primarily operates under a Burn Restriction, which adjusts with changing weather and fire conditions rather than prohibiting all burning year-round.

 

Why is Stark County always under a Burn Restriction?

 

Stark County maintains a standing Burn Restriction as a proactive wildfire prevention measure.

North Dakota's weather can change rapidly throughout the year. Even during cooler months, dry grass, crop residue, and strong winds can create dangerous fire conditions with little notice.

Having a Burn Restriction already in place allows the County to quickly adjust what burning activities are permitted based on the daily Fire Danger Index instead of waiting to issue emergency declarations each time conditions worsen.

 

This system gives Stark County the flexibility to:

  • Allow burning when conditions are safe.
  • Restrict burning when fire danger increases.
  • Better protect lives, property, agricultural land, and emergency responders.
  • Respond quickly to changing weather conditions.

 

Stark County Emergency Management works closely with all county fire departments to balance public safety with the needs of residents, farmers, ranchers, and landowners. The goal is to remain as flexible as possible while maintaining a safe environment for everyone.