PHOTOS: Standing Rock Camp Fires Over Dakota Access Pipeline

“No DAPL” protesters started ceremonial fires at the Standing Rock encampment as a government deadline to leave the area arrived.

The deadline came and went on February 22, and a “handful” of protesters – called “Water Protectors” – were arrested, according to CNN.

The government closed the Oceti Sakowin camp after the governor of North Dakota imposed a 2 p.m. deadline, CNN reported. That wasn’t before some Water Protectors torched parts of the camp in protest of the order.

The multi-state oil pipeline had been the subject of intense and passionate protests at Cannonball, North Dakota, the site of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. The pipeline’s opponents say it will harm water quality and cultural heritage sites, but one of Donald Trump’s first actions as president was an executive order to allow it to go forward. The pipeline will create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign oil, according to supporters.

The burning of living structures is ceremonial, the protesters told the AP. About 200 to 300 protesters remained during the day at the camp near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. Most of those people left peacefully in a march as the deadline loomed.

The Army Corps ordered the camp closed and cited fears of potential spring flooding. According to AOL News, one video from the scene suggested the protesters would rather burn the camp themselves “than have law enforcement take it from them.” It was, AOL reported, a last stand.

Here are more of the dramatic photos to emerge from Standing Rock on February 22:

There were social media reports of injuries.

People also posted photos of the eviction and fires on social media.