Officials say firefighters have stopped a wildfire from spreading in the western North Dakota tourist town of Medora, where its 100 residents were forced to evacuate. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damaged structures in the community, which is on the doorstep of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Crews spared the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, home to the Medora Musical. The blaze has consumed about 15 square miles and started Thursday a few miles southwest of the city, with the wind blowing the flames toward the community. A fire official says an electrical line that sagged and arced is blamed for starting the fire.
The North Dakota National Guard deployed two Black Hawk helicopters to assist in battling the blaze.
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The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services today requested a temporary flight restriction from the Federal Aviation Administration as local, state and federal agencies work to contain a wildfire in the vicinity of Medora, North Dakota. The temporary flight restriction is in place until April 8 – unless cancelled sooner.
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The North Dakota D-O0T has reopened several major roads in the area:
I 94E – Montana Line to Medora
I 94BE – Medora Exit 24 (MP: 900.200 to 900.200)
I 94BE – Medora Exit 27 (MP: 903.200 to 903.200)
I 94W – Medora to Belfield
PIC: NDHP
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