BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – UPDATE: (10/6/2024 at 12:27 p.m.): More than eighteen local and regional agencies have been involved in the emergency response to large area grass fires in eastern Williams County on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, 2024. As of 11 a.m. on Oct. 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.
First responders have reported one death and one critical injury to the Williams County Emergency Operations Center as a result of the fires.
Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, succumbed to critical injuries from a fire in the Ray area. An additional individual with a critical injury has been transported for medical care…