BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Burleigh County authorities have lifted home evacuation orders for an area south of Bismarck where a wildfire scorched nearly 2 ½ square miles and came close to the University of Mary campus.
National Guard helicopters with large water buckets helped douse the flames Monday. No one was hurt and no structures burned, but about 20 homes were evacuated as a precaution.
The cause of the fire wasn't immediately determined. Hot spots were being monitored Tuesday.
The National Weather Service says dangerous fire weather is in store for much of the Northern Plains over the next several days, with gusty winds and low humidity levels.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple on Monday extended until the end of the month a statewide fire emergency declaration that began April 1 and was to expire Wednesday.