ND sees fewer fires and deaths in 2023

The number of fire related fatalities declined last year according to preliminary data released by the North Dakota Insurance Department. The report suggests there were eight deaths last year compared to 19 in 2022.

North Dakota fire departments battled 2,615 total fires in 2023…or 112 fewer than the previous year. Structure fires accounted for 781 incidents – followed by natural vegetation at 676.

Fire related losses totaled $33 million dollars. That compares to $48.6 million in 2022.

North Dakota has 360 fire departments and districts around the state.
—-
State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson says while a slight decrease is a step in the right direction, it underscores the hard work local departments and districts have to educate communities and mitigate fire risks.