BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Here's a round-up of status updates and other information emerging from the fight against what is being called an historic outbreak of wildfires in western North Dakota: Near Ray, ND (Image: Desserae Anderson) Fire status: The North Dakota Emergency Operations Center is tracking the following wildfires in western North Dakota still burning: The Elkhorn Fire, near Grassy Butte; the Bear Den Fire near Mandaree; the Ray, Alamo and Tioga Fires. Total acreage involved is estimated to be more than 25,000 acres. The Arnegard Fire; Garrison Fire near Emmit; and Charlson Fire are reported to be 100 percent contained at this time. The Garrison Fire was stopped about one mile away from the city of Garrison. The U.S. FireNow Fire and Smoke Map website is tracking four key fires in western North Dakota still burning: Bear Den Fire, Elkhorn Fire, Sprint Creek Fire and Haystack Butte Fire. Total acreage involved is more than 25,000. Fire-related power outages: The Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative has responded to multiple outages across its service area, and will continue to do so as they work to repair the damages caused by recent strong winds and wildfires. In some cases, power won't be restored for up to four days. Over 300 locations are currently without power, as of Sunday evening. Ray Fire - Fatality and injury: According to reports, two people suffered critical burns in the Ray area fire. One has died and the second person's condition is unknown at this time, as are details surrounding what happened. Tioga Fire: Tioga Police Chief Josh Nelson reports most of the department's officers were called out to help in the fight against the wildfires. "The primary responsibility of our officers was to provide traffic control in closing roadways affected by heavy fire and smoke conditions," Nelson says in a Facebook update. "Motorists were attempting to navigate these areas and became overwhelmed with heavy smoke conditions resulting in zero visibility. As a result, motorists would stop on these roadways, which resulted in a number of property damage crashes from other motorists. In some cases, these motorists were injured from the smoke/fire conditions." Williams County Sheriff's Office: The most recent update is from Noon, October 6, in which it reports, "More than eighteen local and regional agencies have been involved in the emergency response to large area grass fires in eastern Williams County on October 5 and October 6, 2024. As of 11 am on October 6, 2024, a large fire is still burning south of Highway 2 between Ray and Tioga, and first responders are continuing to respond to hotspots. Highway 2 is open and passable, but drivers should use caution and be aware of down power lines and poles." The Sheriff's Office also says the extent of property damage is still being assessed. Williams County/Williston Emergency Management and the ND Highway Patrol are utilizing aircraft to survey the affected areas and determine the size and scope of impact. McKenzie County - Watford City: Numerous grass fires broke out October 5 and many were still raging today. "Though the fires continue to burn in our county and those around us, we are grateful for the commitment and gratitude of our community. Numerous evacuation orders have been given to those effected. Please keep aware if you are near these fires," the Watford City Police Department posted on its Facebook page. Earlier, the department wrote as a warning, "Don’t throw out cigarette butts, make sure chains on trailers are not touching the ground, no camp fires or outdoor grills." Governor Doug Burgum: As he follows the wild fires and efforts to contain the blazes, Governor Burgum said in a statement, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the deceased and offer our prayers and support for the critically injured individual, as well as those who have lost their homes and property to these tragic fires. The state continues to utilize all resources at our disposal to assist local, tribal, and federal agencies in safeguarding people, property, and communities." Earlier, on Saturday, the governor posted to his Facebook page, "Strong winds and dry conditions are creating extremely challenging firefighting conditions, and the state continues to mobilize all available resources to assist local, tribal and federal agencies in protecting lives and property. We’re deeply grateful for the incredible heroics of the firefighters, emergency managers and others working around the clock to control and extinguish these blazes. The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we urge residents to remain vigilant and heed all evacuation orders and warnings." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW