North Dakota Wildfire Map & Tracker
Track active wildfires across North Dakota in real time. WildFire-Ready maps active fires, perimeters, evacuation alerts, smoke and air quality, and fire bans, drawn from National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service, InciWeb, and NASA FIRMS, updated continuously.
What causes wildfires in North Dakota
North Dakota wildfires are largely grassland and rangeland fires, driven by dry, cured grasses combined with wind, and most starts are human caused, from equipment, vehicles, and debris burning. The state's vast prairies and agricultural land can carry fast-moving fires across open terrain. Strong winds, low humidity, and drought set the stage for the worst grass-fire days.
North Dakota fire season
North Dakota's wildfire risk is driven largely by grass and crop fires, which can spread quickly on dry, windy days in spring and fall. Drought years raise the danger across the state's prairie.
North Dakota grass fires do not follow a single season and can occur whenever fuels are dry and cured. The highest danger often comes in the windy, dry stretches of spring and fall, and again during summer droughts. Drought conditions are the main driver of when the worst fires occur.
How to read the North Dakota map
Flame markers show active fires reported by official agencies, and selecting one shows its status and details. Fire perimeters and evacuation zones appear as local emergency management issues them across North Dakota, and you can add smoke and air-quality layers. Check for county burn restrictions, common during drought, before any outdoor burning.
We keep the North Dakota map current so you can check what is burning, watch a fire near you, and see evacuation alerts and air quality in one place. Coverage is part of WildFire-Ready across Western Canada and 18 western US states, serving more than 130 million people, with the deepest coverage in British Columbia and Alberta.
Data sources for North Dakota
Everything we show for North Dakota traces back to the agency that publishes it:
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- National Weather Service
- InciWeb
- NASA FIRMS
You can verify the state's fire picture directly at the official agency: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
North Dakota wildfire FAQ
Are there wildfires in North Dakota right now?
WildFire-Ready shows active wildfires across North Dakota in real time, drawn from official agencies. Open the live map to see currently active fires, their status, and where they are burning. Counts change throughout the day, so check the map for the latest picture and confirm critical details with the responsible agency.
Where can I see North Dakota evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders and alerts for North Dakota appear on the WildFire-Ready map and in the app as they are issued by the responsible emergency-management agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, and call 911 in an emergency. WildFire-Ready is a companion to 911, not a replacement.
Is the air quality safe in North Dakota?
Wildfire smoke can move air quality from good to hazardous quickly. WildFire-Ready surfaces air-quality readings on the map so you can check conditions near you. During smoke events, follow guidance from your local health authority.
Is there a fire ban in North Dakota?
Fire bans and restrictions for North Dakota are shown on the WildFire-Ready map when they are in effect. Restrictions can change with conditions, so verify the current rules with the official agency, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), before lighting any fire.
When is wildfire season in North Dakota?
North Dakota grass fires do not follow a single season; they can occur whenever fuels are dry and cured. The highest danger often comes in windy, dry spring and fall conditions and during summer droughts.
What causes most wildfires in North Dakota?
Most North Dakota wildfires are human caused, from equipment, vehicles, and debris burning, spreading through dry, cured grasses on the prairies. Strong winds, low humidity, and drought set the stage for fast-moving grass fires.
How do I sign up for North Dakota evacuation alerts?
Official evacuation alerts come from your county or local emergency-management agency, often through local sign-up systems and Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. We show evacuation information on the map as agencies issue it, but always register locally and follow official orders.
Where does WildFire-Ready get North Dakota fire data?
We draw North Dakota fire information from official state and federal sources, including NIFC, the National Weather Service, and the state forest service and emergency-management agency, plus NASA FIRMS satellite detections and air-quality data. You can verify the statewide picture directly at the official agency linked on this page.