BISMARCK — North Dakota is supporting the Nebraska wildfire fight by sending two North Dakota National Guard 600-gallon “Bambi Buckets” for aerial firefighting via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

According to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, Nebraska’s two largest fires are currently burning at 67% and 78% contained with a combined area of 771,110 acres.

Additionally, the North Dakota Forest Service sent an engine and three firefighters to assist crews battling the Qury Fire in South Dakota’s Black Hills.

“When our neighbors ask for help, North Dakota answers the call, just as other states have come to our aid in times of crisis,” Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “We thank and pray for the success and safety of our firefighters and all those putting themselves in harm’s way to protect life and property from these wildfires.”

North Dakota state agencies are monitoring the situations in Nebraska and South Dakota closely and stand ready to offer support as requested through various state-to-state compacts including EMAC.

As winter recedes, conditions can be expected to continue moving northward, with North Dakota already reporting 58 wildland fires so far this year and much of the southwest corner of the state experiencing periods of high fire danger.

The NDDES has already convened Fire Readiness Level calls with state agencies and partners to ensure staff and equipment are prepositioned as conditions warrant and are prepared to offer surge support as requested by local, tribal and federal departments and agencies.