BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple has extended a statewide fire emergency through next week to protect the state against fire outbreaks.
The order is an extension of the emergency first declared on April 1st in response to dry conditions, unseasonably high temperatures and high winds.
Dalrymple says he extended the emergency until May 8th because of the significant threat of uncontrolled fire that still exists throughout the state.
Burning will still be allowed in areas rated low or moderate for fire danger, if approved by local authorities.
He says the state's county commissioners should assess their local fire threat and be prepared to authorize a county burn ban, if necessary, once the statewide fire emergency expires.