Wildfire — Williams, North Dakota

Event narrative (NOAA)

There was a complex of two main fires in Williams County, referred to as the Ray-Tioga Fire and the Highway 85 Fire. Both of these fires crossed US Highway 2, and the Highway 85 fire nearly entered the town of Ray. Nearly 90,000 acres were burned by these fires, which resulted in two deaths and eight injuries. Many livestock animals died from the wildfires and many miles of fence was destroyed or severely damaged. In addition, two farmsteads were lost, farm equipment was burned including combines and tractors, vehicles and multiple power poles were burned, and many shelterbelts and windbreaks were destroyed. Approximately 425 power poles needed to be replaced in Williams County as a result of the fires.