Red Flag fire warning in effect today

National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag fire warning for northern and north-central Montana ranging from the Rocky Mountain Front to Blaine and Fergus counties.

The warning says a combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will result in critical fire conditions.

The warning is in effect through 9 p.m. today.

It says the region could see winds with gusts up to 45 mph in an area including Liberty County and gusts up to 35 mph in Blaine Chouteau and Hill counties with relative humidity as low as 16 percent. Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain in the Red Flag warning areas.

People are urged to use caution and fire control agencies to be at the ready.

The warning comes into effect as burn bans are taking place, with Blaine County setting a ban last week and a burn ban taking effect at 12:01 a.m. today.

See more in today and Wednesday’s editions of Havre Daily News.