BISMARCK – USDA Forest Service, Dakota Prairie Grasslands was monitoring an active fire on a well pad on the McKenzie Ranger District on Friday.

There were no injuries and no damage or threat to the surrounding community, according to officials on Friday.

The incident was contained to the well pad at this time and no surface grassland or groundwater resources were affected.

“The health and safety of our employees, our partners, and the communities we serve are our top priorities. We are working closely with the permit holder to ensure that there is a suppression plan in place in the event that the incident triggers a wildland fire, and that there is a defined monitoring plan put into effect once the incident is over. The cause of the fire is under investigation,” officials said in a news release issued Friday.

“To ensure the health and safety of the public, local area residents, and our partners Ben South, Grasslands Supervisor, Dakota Prairie Grasslands has put in place an area and road closure near the incident. We ask that local area residents and grassland visitors avoid the area so that the incident response teams, first responders and heavy equipment can quickly and safely access the area. The closure is in effect beginning July 23rd until terminated. Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty,”the news release also said.