Gov. Doug Burgum has proclaimed a statewide fire and drought emergency in North Dakota and has ordered all state agencies to maintain high levels of readiness.

The executive order activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and authorizes Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, to activate the Guard if needed to support local and tribal governments.

Extremely dry conditions, lack of precipitation and high winds have created a fire emergency in North Dakota and have had a detrimental impact on livestock water supplies, crop and pasture conditions.

The risk of wildfires also has increased much earlier than normal, with 30 counties issuing emergency declarations, burn bans or other fire restrictions so far. An active, prolonged fire season will likely challenge the capacity of local volunteer fire departments.

With conditions deteriorating, Burgum directed the Department of Emergency Services and other state agencies to coordinate drought and wildfire planning and response through a unified command structure.