BISMARCK – ExxonMobil presented the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) and North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) with a $100,000 contribution toward the Out of the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program, according to NDSA information.

The nonprofit cattle producers’ organizations launched the relief effort earlier this month, following devastating wildfires in western North Dakota.

An estimated 100,000 acres burned in the October fires that, in some cases, lasted almost two weeks. Livestock industry losses included pasture, hay, stored feed, fences, buildings, farmsteads and livestock. The fires claimed two people. More livestock losses are expected to mount over time as pneumonia and other disease set in from smoke inhalation and burns.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these devastating wildfires,” said Kevin Gant, ExxonMobil Bakken operations manager. “We hope this contribution will provide support to our neighbors during this challenging time. We are proud to be part of the local community, and we’re committed to continuing to be a responsible operator and partner in the communities where we operate.”

“The outpouring of support for those who have been impacted by the wildfires has been amazing,” said NDSA President Randy Schmitt, a Rugby cow-calf producer. “We appreciate ExxonMobil’s generosity and that of all those who have reached out to help in a time of great need.”

“Many suffered devastating losses in the wildfires,” added NDSF President Jason Leiseth, an Arnegard, cow-calf producer whose own ranch was in the line of fire, but narrowly missed. “With the help of partners like ExxonMobil, we hope to help rekindle hope for those who were impacted.”

The NDSA and NDSF kickstarted the Out of the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program with $50,000 of their own funds. Since then, the disaster fund has already grown by nearly $250,000 and has about 80 unique donors.

For those wishing to help, monetary contributions to the Out of the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program are being accepted. Contact NDSA for more information. The gifts will be pooled and distributed in their entirety to N.D. cattle ranchers this winter through an application and nomination process. A committee comprised of fellow ranchers will review the applications and distribute the funds to those most in need.

All ND wildfires contained

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services reports all wildfires in western North Dakota have been contained.

The wildfires began in early October. The Elkhorn Fire near Grassy Butte and the Bear Den Fire in the Mandaree area were the last of the wildfires to be contained more than two weeks after the fires started.

Other fires included the Ray-Alamo-Tioga fires in Williams County, Arnegard Fire near Arnegard, Garrison Fire near Emmet and Charlson Fire.

Two people died in the fires. Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, succumbed to critical injuries from the fire in the Ray area. Ed Coppersmith, 47, of Tioga, also died from injuries sustained from the wildfires. Several people were injured in the fires

More than 110,000 acres were burned in the fires.

– MDN STAFF