Gov. Burgum Declares Drought Disaster for Nearly Entire State of North Dakota

About 16 percent of the state is in severe drought and 18 percent is in the moderate category

NORTH DAKOTA — Gov. Burgum has declared a drought disaster for nearly all of North Dakota.

The U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly report has rated nearly 46 percent of the state in extreme or exceptional drought, up from 40 percent last week.

About 16 percent of the state is in severe drought and 18 percent is in the moderate category.

More than 300 wildfires have been reported to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services since April 1.

The governor’s declaration directs state officials to coordinate with federal agencies to make appropriate drought response programs available.