This month, the State Historical Society in Bismarck is screening a powerful documentary recounting the October 2024 wildfires in northwest North Dakota—putting front and center the bravery of first responders and the struggles of impacted communities.
On October 5, 2024, a sweeping outbreak of wildfires roared across northwestern North Dakota, fueled by extreme winds and bone-dry conditions—gusts reached 78 mph as fires raced across the plains.
More than 110,000 acres burned, dozens of rural properties were threatened, and at least one person died in smoke-related complications.
Though Bismarck was not the epicenter, the capital city was on alert—local agencies monitored air quality, bolstered mutual aid readiness, and dispatched support to western counties.
This documentary provides a window into those rural fires while reminding Bismarck residents just how close large-scale climate and fire risk loom over the entire state.
Meanwhile, a former Bismarck firefighter turned state coordinator reflects: “We train for disasters, but nothing prepares you for the smell of burning homes in the dark.”
The documentary serves as a cautionary tale. Residents are urged to examine evacuation plans, smoke response protocols, and property fire mitigation—even in the capital. Many in Bismarck have family, friends, or ties to the impacted western counties. This film brings their stories into the city’s living rooms. Viewers will see how state-level wildfire management, land use rules, and funding decisions affect every corner of North Dakota.
The documentary at the State Historical Society is more than a re-telling—it’s a clarion call. Bismarckites can bear witness, learn, and press for stronger preparedness. Fires do not respect distance—and the stories shown this month demand we stay alert, engaged, and ready.
