UPDATE (4/15/2015, 3:54pm): Investigators have determined that a small, abandoned camp fire was the cause of the large fire that triggered evacuations the past two days, just south of Bismarck.
A large fire that broke out yesterday south of Bismarck has re-ignited yesterday afternoon, which triggered new evacuations in the immediate area, including at the University of Mary campus. All evening classes at the university were cancelled.
With the help of numerous fire agencies and the National Guard, the fire was mostly contained as of Monday evening; however, strong winds in the region Tuesday helped reinvigorate the flames. As of Wednesday morning, the fire was mostly contained again. Fire crews are still putting out hot spots and ask non-residents to stay out of the area.
One report from Tuesday said that the fire had already burned 1,500 acres, or 2.3 square miles.
A second fire also broke out yesterday just east of Lincoln, as well as others around the region. Both Burleigh County fires were largely contained by last evening.
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@KXMB view of fire from U-Mary campus. pic.twitter.com/2hRPh5WAwA
— Mike Chaussee (@mikechaussee) April 13, 2015
They are bringing in helicopters with water buckets to help fight the fire. pic.twitter.com/1OFT4wqTQv
— KX News – Bismarck (@KXMB) April 13, 2015
@KXMB students at Mary watch flames… pic.twitter.com/m9pZ2RhwIo
— Janelle (@jnhartford) April 13, 2015
