The Cass County Board of Commissioners has declared a fire emergency and enacted burn restrictions through November 1, 2025, due to abundant dry vegetation and ongoing hot, dry, and windy weather conditions.

The restrictions will be in effect whenever the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating for Cass County is classified as High, Very High, or Extreme, or when a Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service.

Under the restrictions, all open burning is prohibited. This includes campfires, garbage or pit burning, controlled burns such as brush piles and agricultural fields, and the use of fireworks — both aerial and ground-based.

Exceptions are made for controlled devices such as gas camp stoves, gas, wood-fired, or charcoal grills, and outdoor fireplaces or chimineas, provided they are placed on a hard, non-organic surface at least 15 feet from vegetation, and an extinguisher or water source is immediately available.

Violations of the burn restriction are classified as a Class B misdemeanor under North Dakota Century Code 37-17.1-10.1 and may result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.

How to Prepare for a Disaster

Knowing what to expect and the steps to take in an emergency is the key to protecting yourself and your family. Disasters can happen anytime and anyplace. When a disaster strikes you may have only a short time to respond or prepare for the consequences. An accidental release of a hazardous chemical could mean a need for sheltering-in-place or an immediate evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family to your home. A flood or tornado could cut off basic services in the community; things like gas, water, and electricity for days. The effects of a disaster can be sudden and devastating.

To reduce the effects of a disaster you can prepare and plan ahead for your family. Below is a list of things you can do to prepare now, before disaster strikes.

Every household’s emergency preparations should include:

1. EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

   Know how to get emergency information from multiple locations.

   • Cass County uses an emergency notification system called Cass Clay Alerts. In order to receive alerts, you must sign-up and keep your information up to date. Sign up for Cass Clay Alerts

2. COMMUNICATION PLAN

   Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. Use a template or create your own family communication plan. Fill out a family communications plan.

3. EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

   Your emergency supply kit should include everything your family needs to survive for at least 72 hours. Don't forget to include items for your pets. Print an emergency supply kit checklist.

Learn More

Visit Ready.gov for emergency preparedness guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Click Here to Learn More About the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Cass County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) publishes a Public Notice in accordance with Section 324 of the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Action (SARA Title III) of 1986.          

Mandatory Reporting

It is mandatory for the following information to be submitted by facilities to the Cass County LEPC, the district fire department for the physical address of the facility, and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES):

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for a hazardous substance
• A specific facility’s Hazard Substance Inventory Forms
• Follow-Up Emergency Notices: hazardous material release information

To find information on how to file reports, please visit the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services website.

Public Review

In accordance with SARA Title III this information is available for public review at the Cass County Department of Emergency Management. Individuals requesting to review a facility’s hazard substance inventory must submit the request in writing; inventory inquiries must be facility specific.

After receipt and review of an inventory information request, the Cass County LEPC will schedule a time during normal business hours for the requesting party to view the requested report(s).

What is Cass Clay Alerts?

The emergency notification system used by Cass County, ND and Clay County, MN. This service allows you to opt-in to receive emergency alert and warning notifications via email, text message and/or voice communication methods based on the alert type and/or geographic locations you identify.

**If you were previously registered for emergency notifications through the CodeRED system, you will need to re-register to continue receiving notifications from the NEW Cass Clay Alerts system, powered by Everbridge.**

What is Cass Clay Alerts used for?