Veteran firefighter speaks about PTSD, mental health issues and addiction at the Bismarck Dream Center

VIDEO: PTSD can be a debilitating illness you can’t see, and it often affects first responders. A veteran firefighter spoke at the Bismarck Dream Center Tuesday about his experience with mental health, suicidal thoughts and addiction. For nearly two decades, Scott Geiselhart worked as a firefighter. He said during that time, he became a pro at using the Jaws of Life to free people from wrecked cars. But he said those images began to haunt him, especially when those people were more than strangers, like responding to a call about one of his son’s friends. “They’re young, and you recognize them, and you have to cut them out while they’re screaming for their life, and you’re promising them you’re going to save them, and they don’t make it,” Geiselhart said. Geiselhart said at the time, he and the other firefighters hadn’t received any training related to mental health.
KFYR-TV NBC 5 Bismarck

Crews battle large brush fire north of casino in Belcourt

Fire crews in Rolette County battled a large brush fire north of the Sky Dancer Casino & Resort Thursday afternoon. A viewer shared a video with Your News Leader of a shot of the fire shortly after 4 p.m. The viewer indicated the fire was moving north, away from the casino. The casino told Your News Leader they are still open and operating as usual. In a post on the Belcourt Rural Fire Department’s Facebook page, the department said they are seeing a pattern with fires they have responded to last week and asked the public to report anything they see, such as fires burning, as well as vehicle descriptions or license plate numbers if they see someone setting fires. Earlier this week, all departments in Rolette County responded to a series of fires, including one that burned at least 1,000 acres between Belcourt and Rolla.
KFYR-TV NBC 5 Bismarck

Fire heavily damages Minot home

Fire Wednesday afternoon heavily damaged a northeast Minot home. The Minot Fire Department was dispatched to 511 7th Street Northeast around 5:45 p.m. on April 24 for a report of a structure fire. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the front door and side windows. The homeowner had exited the building before the crews arrived. The firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, but damage had left the home uninhabitable. No injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation.
KXMB-TV CBS/CW+ 12 Bismarck

Fire burns roughly 1,000 acres across parts of Rolette County

VIDEO: Fire crews across Rolette County spent Tuesday battling six different grassland fires, including one that burned roughly 1,000 acres of land. Belcourt Rural Fire Chief AJ Laducer said the largest fire started near the Kent housing addition between Belcourt and Rolla heading south, and quickly spread. Laducer said every fire department within the county as well as BIA Forestry responded. He said no injuries were reported, and they managed to prevent any structures from getting damaged. BIA Forestry was to assess the damage more Wednesday, according to the fire chief. Laducer said the cause of the largest fire is unknown. He said it’s contained as of Tuesday evening, and they are monitoring hot spots, but crews are addressing another fire between Belcourt and Dunseith.
KFYR-TV NBC 5 Bismarck