BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Nearly 150 emergency leaders are meeting in Bismarck this week to share lessons from wildfires, tornadoes, and floods, all with the goal of getting help to North Dakotans faster when the next disaster strikes.

The North Dakota Emergency Management Association is hosting its annual state conference, bringing together city, county, and state officials. It’s the only time each year the group gathers in person.

The sessions focus on emergencies, including the wildfires that hit Burleigh and Emmons counties earlier this year. Organizers say the idea is to talk through what worked, what didn’t and how to respond better in the future.

“Everything from wildfires to floods to snow disasters,” said Ben Gates, the president of the association. “We are in North Dakota to be a

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