Mandan Rural Fire Department

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

🟡 HIGH FIRE DANGER🟡 – 🚩RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT 🚩

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Red Flag Warning due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation. These conditions create an extreme risk for wildfires to start and spread rapidly.

🔥 Burn bans are currently in effect. Please do your part to help prevent wildfires by following all local and state burn restrictions.

Remember:
• Do not burn brush, leaves, or other debris.
• Avoid campfires unless they are specifically permitted.
• Never discard ci******es or smoking materials from a vehicle.
• Delay any activities that could produce sparks, including welding or grinding, if possible.
• Secure trailer safety chains to prevent them from dragging and creating sparks.

Even a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire under today's conditions.

We ask everyone to stay alert, use caution, and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.

Thank you for doing your part to protect our community, our firefighters, and our natural resources. Stay safe!– MRFD

More information about the fire declaration for Morton County can found here

https://www.mortonnd.gov/fire

09/06/2026

🚒 MANDAN RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚒
📊 August 2026 Calls for Service

August was another busy month for the members of the Mandan Rural Fire Department. Our firefighters responded to 12 incidents throughout the month.

🔥 August Incident Breakdown:

🧗 Steep Angle Rescue — 1
⛽ Fuel Spill — 1
💨 Gas Leak — 1
🚗 Motor Vehicle Accident — 1
🏠 Structure Fire — 1
🗑️ Trash Fire — 1
🌾 Grass Fires — 4
🚒 Commercial Vehicle Fire — 1
Total Incidents: 12

We were also dispatched to 1 additional call that was cancelled before we responded.

We are proud to have our members ready to answer the call, day or night, and serve the residents of our rural protection area. We appreciate the continued support of our community and the dedication of our firefighters and their families. ❤️

🚒 12 incidents. 1 team. Always ready to serve.

📞 In an emergency, call 911.

09/04/2026

View Craig Sjoberg's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/27/2026

Drought Conditions Are Getting Worse in Morton County

Things are getting really dry across Morton County, and the area served by the Mandan Rural Fire Department is facing a growing wildfire threat.

Hot, dry weather has quickly dried out grasses, crops, and other fuels across the area. When things are this dry, fires are more likely to start and can spread fast. North Dakota officials have already declared a statewide fire emergency because of the worsening drought and wildfire risk.

Morton County has also declared a fire emergency and burn ban because vegetation is extremely dry and fires can spread quickly.

This is especially important for the Mandan Rural Fire Department. Our volunteer firefighters protect about 725 square miles of rural Morton County. When conditions are this dry, even a small spark can turn into a serious fire in no time.

Please take these conditions seriously. Follow all current burn restrictions, avoid anything that could start a fire, and do your part to prevent wildfires. Don't assume a small fire will be easy to control—the landscape is extremely dry and ready to burn right now.

If you see smoke or a fire, call 911 right away and give the best location information you can.

Our volunteer firefighters are ready to respond, but preventing fires in the first place is something we can all help with.

Stay safe, stay alert, and help protect our rural communities. 🚒🔥

(Maps below are the drought map released today compared to one week ago)

08/23/2026

...THIS POST IS OUTDATED...
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of North Dakota until 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT.

08/18/2026

Here is a news article regarding the Morton County Burn Ban and the fire west of Mandan yesterday

Mandan Rural Fire Department is reminding everyone that even with the recent rain, Morton County is still under a burn ban. MORE: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/08/17/mandan-rural-fire-chief-talks-burn-ban-following-sundays-fire/

08/16/2026

To piggy back off of our last post reminding everyone that even with the recent rains that Morton County is still in a Burn Ban. Fuels are still very dry some Fuels take 10-100 hours to gain or lose moisture, some fuels also only take 1 hours to gain or lose moisture so those fuels are already dried out today.

At approx.. 13:15 on 8/16/2036 The MRFD was dispatched west of Mandan for an fire. It was determined to be started by a landowner burning weeds. Even with the recent rains the fire got out of control and was extinguished at approx. 14:00 after burning approx. 3 acres.

Please follow all Burn Bans and Fire declarations we are all in this together lets hope for more rain so we can go back to having burns on days the Fire Danger Index is Low or Moderate.

08/16/2026

🔥 Burn Ban Reminder🔥

Despite the recent rains, Morton County remains under a burn ban.

While some areas received beneficial rainfall, portions of Morton County did not receive as much rain and remain dry. Conditions can vary significantly across the county, so please don’t assume that recent rainfall means it is safe to burn.

Please continue to follow the burn ban and refrain from outdoor burning until the ban has officially been lifted.

Thank you for helping protect our communities, homes, property, and first responders. 🚫🔥

Open burning is prohibited, including:
-Campfires
-Controlled burns
-Agricultural burning
-Outdoor fireplaces and wood-burning chimineas
-Fireworks (aerial and ground)
-Garbage/pit burning
-Charcoal and wood-fired grills/smokers
-Outdoor welding and hot work

Gas grills, gas patio fireplaces, gas camp stoves, and similar gas-fired devices are allowed ONLY if they are:
✔️ On a hard, non-organic surface
✔️ At least 15 feet from vegetation
✔️ Used with a fire extinguisher or water source readily available

Please do your part to help prevent wildland fires by ensuring trailer chains are not dragging and avoiding parking or driving on dry grass.

Violations of the Fire Emergency and Burn Ban are a Class B Misdemeanor and may result in penalties of up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.