Wildfires have burned at least 53 square miles in the state

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Firefighters are gaining the upper hand on an eight-square-mile wildfire in Theodore Roosevelt State Park.

Firefighters had the blaze 80% contained on Saturday afternoon, up from 70% on Friday, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

The fire began on April3 and has forced trail and campground closures within the park. No structure damage has been reported, but officials say some structure in the park could still be at risk. No firefighters have been hurt and no wildlife losses have been reported.

Wildfires have burned about 53 square miles in North Dakota this spring, more than three times what fires consumed in all of 2020.

Critical fire conditions are expected in the state through Saturday, although forecasts call for colder temperatures Sunday and Monday and a chance of rain or snow in the north.

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