UPDATE FROM USDA FOREST SERVICE:

As of 1 P.M. MDT today, April 8, firefighters are reporting 65% containment and an estimated 5,000 acres burned for the Horse Pasture Fire in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) and the McKenzie District of the Little Missouri National Grassland.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Responders conducted burnout procedures last night, which involves eliminating vegetation with controlled burns to establish a perimeter to contain the fire. At this time, no structure damage has been reported, but the CCC campground and other infrastructure in the park could still be at risk.

The USDA Forest Service maintains closures for the areas affected by the Horse Pasture wildfire, as well as the area in the South Unit of TRNP impacted by the wildfire last week. These orders are to protect public health and safety, and are in effect until further notice.

The western part of North Dakota reports very high fire danger today, and critical fire weather is expected through Saturday. As of today, 52 out of 53 counties in North Dakota have instituted a burn ban. Billings County has declared a total burn ban, which prohibits open burning regardless of the fire danger risk. To see details about your county’s burn ban and fire danger, visit https://ndresponse.gov/burn-ban-restrictions-fire-danger-maps.