Ray, ND – Large grass fires have ravaged eastern Williams County, killing a South African man and critically injuring another. The fires began on October 5 and continued into October 6, with emergency crews working to control the flames.
Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, of South Africa, succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the Ray area. Another person, critically injured, has been transported for medical care.
According to Williams County authorities, a significant fire is still burning south of Highway 2 between Ray and Tioga. First responders are managing hotspots and assessing property damage. Aircraft from the ND Highway Patrol are being used to survey the impact.
Highway 2 remains open, though authorities urge caution due to downed power lines. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available. The cause of the fires and full extent of the damage are still under investigation.
