UPDATE: Grass fire northwest of Williston burns nearly 100 acres

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - UPDATE (9/13/2024 at 6:50 p.m.): The Williston Fire Department and Williston Rural Fire Department responded around 2:30 p.m. to a wildfire near 138th Avenue NW and 53rd Street NW.

They say high winds with gusts up to 34 mph were quickly spreading the fire northeast.

The fire was completely contained by 4 p.m.

Crews stayed until after 5:30 p.m. to continue checking the area for hot spots.

They estimate 96 acres were burned.

UPDATE (9/13/2024 at 3:55 p.m.): The Williston Fire Department, Williston Rural Fire Department, and Epping Fire Department are on site.

Assistant Chief for Williston Fire Department Corey Johnson says it’s a “fairly large fire,” but was unable to give an estimate as to the amount of acres.

Johnson says the fire is 75% contained as of 3:50 p.m. and the three departments are continuing to monitor the scene.

Johnson adds the wind is the biggest challenge at this point as some areas continue to reignite.

Johnson says no structures were damaged at this time.

ORIGINAL STORY (9/13/2024 at 3:30 p.m.): Fire crews are battling a grass fire northwest of Williston.

The Williston Rural Fire Department is on the scene north of the municipal golf course.

Smoke is blowing into town due to the high winds.

This is a developing story.