BISMARCK -- Ranchers impacted by North Dakota's historic wildfires can now apply for relief, thanks to donors that gave $757,000.
The North Dakota Stockmen's Association announced Thursday, Dec. 5, that it is accepting applications for its Out of the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program. The fund was started as a response to multiple fires that began the weekend of Oct. 5 in western North Dakota.
That included two fires near Tioga and Ray that destroyed nearly 90,000 acres, two homes, multiple outbuildings and power lines. The fires also killed two people and 270 head of livestock, according to authorities. More than three dozen cattle are missing, the North Dakota Governor's Office said.
Two other large fires broke out near Watford City and Mandaree. In total, the three fires destroyed roughly 120,000 acres. Some took days to bring under control.
"Some of the land burned included 14,000 acres of pasture and rangeland and 19,000 acres of cropland," according to a news release.
The fires also destroyed more than 1,100 haybales, 110 miles of fence and 37,000 feet of shelterbelt.
"North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has asked President Joe Biden to name the fires a major disaster," which would open up federal funding to help cover more than $8 million in damage.
The Stockmen's Association and its foundation donated $50,000 to its relief fund to help ranchers who suffered losses in the fires. In less than two months, donors gave an additional $707,000.
"Donations continue to flow in every day," said Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson. "This disaster relief project has far exceeded our expectations."
She called the support tremendous: "We are very grateful to everyone who has pitched in to help."
Ranchers can apply for the fund by detailing their losses before sending it to the North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation at 4520 Ottawa St., Bismarck, N.D., 58503. A committee will then review the applications and "divvy up the funds based on the losses," Ellingson said.
"There is no set number of grants to be given," she said. "We are encouraging all who had losses to apply."
Applications are due Jan. 10. Those with questions can call 701-223-2522.