The National Weather Service in Bismarck issued a Red Flag Warning on Friday for western and much of central North Dakota for this afternoon and evening. The warning said critical fire weather conditions are expected.

“Relative humidity values are forecast to fall into the lower to mid-teens, combined with south-southwesterly winds sustained as high as 25 mph and gusting to around 35 mph. Any fires that ignite could spread rapidly and become difficult to control,” according to the NWS warning.

The warning is in effect from noon-9 p.m., today.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can

Screen Photo A National Weather Service map indicates the area covered with smoke on Friday afternoon.

contribute to extreme fire behavior, according to the NWS.

The NWS in Glasgow, Montana, also issued a Red Flag Warning on Friday due to enhanced fire weather conditions including wind and low humidity across northeast Montana expected today. The warning is in effect from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fires in the region on Friday included multiple fires burning in the Belcourt area, according to the Belcourt Rural Fire Department. That area has had fires during past days.

As of early Friday afternoon, the Black Hawk helicopters from the North Dakota National Guard were expected to be back in the Belcourt area to help with the fire fighting efforts.

People in the area were urged when driving to watch the road and not the helicopter and if there is a road block, not to go through the barricades or drive around them.

The update by the Belcourt Fire Department also said 80-100 additional firefighters were in the area to help save the community.

Community people were asked for donations of items for meals as well as cooks to make some of the hot meals Friday night but also today and possibly into Sunday.