7:07 p.m. MDT April 9, 2021
Below is an update on the Horse Pasture Fire in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. It was released by the Park Service Friday afternoon April 9, 2021.
Fire activity on the Horse Pasture Fire remained high on Thursday, however no new growth was reported. Strong winds continued to be a challenge for firefighters, as they worked to keep the fire within established firelines. Flare ups were visible as large pockets of unburned fuel within the perimeter were consumed.
As of Thursday evening, the fire is estimated to be 5,000 acres in size with 70% containment. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the area through Friday evening, with winds forecasted from the northwest at 20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph. Red Flag conditions may continue into the weekend.
Over 80 firefighters from state and federal agencies are working to suppress the fire.
Initial Attack resources assigned to the Horse Pasture Fire were dispatched Thursday evening to assist with a new fire southwest of Williston near Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.
Several closures remain in place. The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park remains closed. The McKenzie Ranger District of the Little Missouri National Grasslands closed the CCC Campground, the northernmost portion of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, the Long X and Sunset Trail, Summit Campground, and the Summit Overlook, and Viewpoint Trails.
