Wildfire — Adams, North Dakota

2012-10-17 to 2012-10-18 · Adams, North Dakota

Event narrative

A large wildfire developed over western Adams County in southwest North Dakota during the afternoon of the 17th. The fire originated four miles east of Reeder, burning east-southeast through the city of Bucyrus before being contained 3 miles southeast of Bucyrus in the early morning hours of the 18th. The fire burned for a length of seven miles, and covered an estimated 4,000 acres. The cause of the fire was reported unknown. The explosiveness of the fire can be attributed to very dry conditions, relative humidity in the teens, and winds gusting to over sixty miles per hour.

While much of the fire was in open country, the city of Bucyrus sustained significant damage. Ten residences and 24 outbuildings were destroyed in or near Bucyrus. In addition, 70 electrical power poles where consumed by the fire. No fatalities and no injuries were reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 414164. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.