BISMARCK — Agencies across North Dakota are preparing for the state’s fall wildfire season.

The North Dakota Forest Service, Department of Emergency Services, Highway Patrol and other agencies will start regular wildfire readiness calls Monday, Oct. 6. The calls will help departments coordinate resources in case a fire exceeds the capacity of local crews.

Forest Service Fire Management Officer Ryan Melin said taking proper steps beforehand can make a big difference when responding to a wildfire.

“Situational awareness is huge in disaster response. Making sure everyone understands the picture of what’s happening on the ground. We always try to make proactive decisions instead of reactive decisions,” Melin said.

Melin said North Dakota is on pace to have a busier wildfire season than ave

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