ExxonMobil donates $100,000 to North Dakota disaster relief fund | News, sports, work

BISMARCK – ExxonMobil has made a $100,000 donation to the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) for the Out of the Ashes wildfire disaster relief program, according to NDSA.

Nonprofit cattle producers launched a relief effort earlier this month after devastating wildfires in western North Dakota.

An estimated 100,000 acres burned in the October fires, which in some cases lasted nearly two weeks. Losses in the livestock industry included pastures, hay, stored feed, fences, buildings, farms and livestock. The fire claimed two lives. Livestock losses are expected to increase over time as pneumonia and other diseases develop from smoke inhalation and burns.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these devastating fires,” he added. said Kevin Gant, ExxonMobil Bakken operations manager. “We hope this contribution will provide support to our neighbors during this difficult time. We are proud to be part of the local community and are committed to continuing to be a responsible operator and partner in the communities in which we operate.

“The outpouring of support for those affected by the fires has been incredible.” said NDSA president Randy Schmitt, a producer of rugby cow calves. “We appreciate the generosity of ExxonMobil and all those who reached out to help in this time of great need.”

“Many people suffered devastating losses in the fires.” added NDSF President Jason Leiseth, an Arnegard native and calf producer whose own ranch was in the line of fire but narrowly missed. “We hope that with the help of partners like ExxonMobil, we can inspire hope among those affected by this situation.”

NDSA and NDSF launched the Out of the Ashes disaster relief program with $50,000 of their own funds. Since then, the disaster relief fund has grown by almost $250,000 and has approximately 80 unique donors.

For those wishing to help, monetary donations are accepted for the Out of the Ashes Wildfire Relief Program. For more information, please contact the NDSA. Donations will be collected and distributed in full to North Carolina cattle farmers this winter through an application and nomination process. A committee composed of other farmers will consider the applications and distribute the funds to those most in need.

All ND forest fires have been contained

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services reports that all wildfires in western North Dakota have been contained.

The fires started in early October. The Elkhorn Fire near Grassy Butte and the Bear Den Fire in the Mandaree area were the latest fires to be contained more than two weeks after the fires began.

Other fires included the Ray-Alamo-Tioga fire in Williams County, the Arnegard fire near Arnegard, the Garrison fire near Emmet and the Charlson fire.

Two people died in the fires. Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, from South Africa, died following a fire in the Ray area. Ed Coppersmith, 47, of Tioga also died from injuries sustained in the fires. Several people were injured in the fires

More than 110,000 acres have burned in the fires.

– MDN STAFF