State Department releases documentary on October wildfires

WATFORD CITY, N.D. (KUMV) - It took everyone from neighbors to friends and even federal agencies to help put out a string of wildfires last fall in western North Dakota.

The state released a documentary about the event, sharing stories from people involved.

More than 120,000 acres burned across Williams and McKenzie Counties last October, fueled by high wind gusts and very dry conditions.

“In the beginning, you feel kind of helpless because you can’t stop it, and nobody can get it to go out when the winds are 70 miles per hour. It’s almost too dangerous to be in front of it,” said Perry Ecker, a McKenzie County rancher.

It was a weeks-long battle with various fires across the region.

“I never thought, being from western Montana, that kind of fire could happen here. I was mistaken,” said Karolyn Jappe, McKenzie County emergency manager.

The Department of Emergency Services shared stories of those who dealt with the fires in a documentary. It showed the perspectives from those monitoring the event.

On Thursday, people in Watford City got a chance to watch the documentary as a way to connect with each other again— not to think about the devastation the event brought, but to commemorate how everyone had a hand in stopping a regional calamity.

“We’re really thankful for our neighbors, the firefighters and the volunteers,” said Ecker.

The video is expected to be released online at a later date.