Submitted Photo A wildfire rages near Fort Totten. Firefighters fought multiple fires from Wednesday, April 22, into Thursday, April 23, but no structures were lost.

FORT TOTTEN — The Spirit Lake Fire Department and Wildland Fire crews responded to multiple wildfire incidents in the Fort Totten area between the evening of Wednesday, April 22, and the early morning hours of Thursday, April 23, according to information from Spirit Lake Nation.

A fire reported shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday was estimated at about 200 acres and prompted a community alert due to potential risk to nearby homes. That fire was successfully contained, and no structures were lost or damaged.

On Thursday, crews responded to additional fire activity, including the largest fire of the incidents, estimated at about 900 acres. That fire also posed a risk to nearby structures; however, no homes were damaged.

Despite the scale of these incidents, no residential structures were lost, the tribe reported.

Fire Chief Joe Jetty emphasized that current environmental conditions are contributing to an elevated wildfire risk across the region.

“With the current dry conditions, high winds and lack of precipitation, our area is at a heightened risk for wildfire. We are asking the public to stay clear of active scenes and report any fires immediately by calling 911 so we can respond as quickly and safely as possible,” Jetty said in a news release.

Wildfire season in the Fort Totten area occurs year-round, with peak activity typically from March through June. In 2025, the Fort Totten Fire Department responded to about 200 fire incidents.

Fire danger remains high across the region due to ongoing conditions, including dry fuels, high winds and limited precipitation. Emergency responders have experienced challenges with individuals approaching or entering active fire scenes, creating additional safety risks.

The Spirit Lake Fire Department and Tribal Council remind the public that immediate reporting is critical to effective response. Community members are urged to call 911 first if they see a fire. Doing so ensures that emergency calls are properly documented and all appropriate response teams are activated without delay.

The Spirit Lake Tribal Council, along with the Spirit Lake Fire Department, has implemented a burn restriction across the Spirit Lake Reservation.

Under this restriction open burning is prohibited unless authorized by the Spirit Lake Fire Department. A burn permit form must be completed in person at the Spirit Lake Fire Department. No burning is allowed at night under any circumstances, with the exception of recognized ceremonial or traditional practices, which do not require a permit. Community members are reminded that immediate reporting is critical. If you see a fire, call 911 immediately to ensure a full emergency response.

“We are grateful for our Spirit Lake Wildland Firefighters and the additional responding agencies who assisted in protecting our community, and we are thankful that no lives were lost,” Spirit Lake Chairwoman Lonna Street said. “Current conditions present a high risk for fire, and this is a critical time for community education and awareness. The Spirit Lake Tribe has implemented a burn restriction until further notice. We need to keep our communities safe.”