Hundreds battle wildfires in northeastern ND

GRAND FORKS, ND KFGO-AM) - Several hundred firefighters and first responders are battling wildfires along more than 60 miles of I-29 in northeastern North Dakota in Pembina, Walsh and parts of Grand Forks counties.

The interstate was shut down for several hours because of dense smoke and multiple crashes north of the Olso interchange caused by zero visibility. Some traffic is moving in certain areas however, the North Dakota Department of Transportation as of mid afternoon is advising no travel because of the dangerous conditions.

Walsh County Sheriff Ron Jurgens says high winds, at times gusting over 50 miles an hour have hampered firefighter working to contain the firesJergens says in one of the crashes, involving a van and another vehicle, there were serious injuries.

Pembina County Emergency Manager Andrew Kirking says fire departments from as far away as Langdon and Emerson, Manitoba have been helping fight the fires. Kirking says so far, there have been no reports of any property losses in Pembina County.