COEUR d'ALENE - The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag warning for North Idaho through 5 p.m. today, and warned high winds could stir fires out of control.

"The Red Flag warning is for a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures that will create extreme fire growth potential," the latest fire update stated on Thursday. "Fuels are extremely dry."

Thursday's weather was sunny and smoky with winds blowing at 18 to 22 mph in the afternoon with gusts of 25 mph in the afternoon. Today there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Winds are expected from the west and northwest at 23 to 27 mph, with gusts of 30 mph. Warm and dry conditions will continue through the weekend.

Below is a list of the most active fires burning in North Idaho:

* Parker Ridge Fire is at 6,147 acres and 0 percent contained. It is burning northwest of Bonners Ferry. Evacuations are in effect in the Westside Road area and structure protection continues. The burning of stubble fields went well. Overall the fire was quiet Wednesday, although the northwest corner had some heat. The fire is expected to continue to flank up the drainage and run back downslope in both Long Creek and in Parker Creek drainages with short uphill runs to the top of the ridge. Day and night operations continue as crews shore up the north and south flanks of the fire in anticipation of forecasted winds. Closures are in effect.

* Big Lost Fire is 1,280 acres and 10 percent contained. It is burning east of Potlatch near Highway 6, 10 miles south of Emida. Wednesday fire activity was moderate, creeping and smoldering. Crews burned out an area Wednesday to help secure the fire and are enforcing dozer lines and mopping up along the perimeter in preparation for predicted winds. They are doing direct attack and locating and managing spot fires. Road closure has been lifted. The Laird Park and White Pine Campgrounds - which includes the Grizzly Boy Scout Camp - have been evacuated and are closed. Personnel: 154.

* Not Creative Fire is at 135 acres and is 100 percent contained. It is burning 4 miles north of Rose Lake on the south side of Interstate 90. Significant progress was made Wednesday in finishing and strengthening fire line. The entire perimeter now has line and hose around it. The fire will be staffed today for the Red Flag warning. Firefighters will be ready for initial attack. The team is planning for transition back to the local district. Personnel: 130.

* Clark Fork Complex: Scotchman Peak, Whitetail and Marten Fires are burning east of Lake Pend Oreille. A Type 2 management team took over Thursday evening. Closures are in effect, but no evacuations. No structures are immediately threatened. The Scotchman Peak Fire is at 2,143 acres. It's burning 4 miles northeast of Clark Fork, north of Highway 200. It is burning on the east side of Scotchman Peak in the Blue Creek drainage. The southwest flank of the fire has crossed over the southern ridge of the Peak and is slowly backing down the hill to the southwest. Crews and equipment will begin constructing control lines and improving and strengthening existing roads as fuel breaks along the foot of the hill. Firefighters are using the confine, contain, point protection strategy. And a structure assessment/protection plan is being developed. The Whitetail Fire is 600 acres and is south of Highway 200 and 9 miles south of Clark Fork. The fire is burning on the southeast flank of Whitetail Peak in the "Deer Creek" area. Thursday crews utilized equipment to improve the 332 road and create dozer line along the ridge to hold the fire south of the 332 road. Air resources are also being used to moderate fire spread and hold the lines and keep the fire out of Dry Creek. Marten Fire is 3 acres. It started to the west of the Whitetail fire on Wednesday. Helicopter drops had success in knocking down the flames and will continue today.

* Marble Creek Fire is at 1,024 acres and 0 percent contained. This fire is burning in the St Joe area. On Wednesday the fire was active with group torching, flanking and short range spotting. Firefighters are preparing for the forecasted winds and continue work on the southwest flank building an anchor point, direct line and a fuel break using excavators, skidders, backhoes, dozers.

* Tower Fire (Kaniksu Complex) is 8,317 acres in Washington and 2 percent contained. The fire started in Colville National Forest and is visible from Priest Lake. Area Command is in place for fires in the Colville National Forest. Wednesday the fire had active spotting, single-tree torching and running. Fire spread is anticipated to the east and north with flanking to the south. The fire is generating a lot of smoke. Tower Fire Evacuation Notice was implemented Wednesday by the Pend Oreille County Sheriff Department in the Bear Paw vicinity. Residents should be ready, made aware of the increased risk and asked to monitor emergency services. Residents should prepare and if needed, take early precautionary movement to relocate, especially those with special needs, pets, livestock or those needing transportation assistance. The Bonner County Sheriff's Office is ready to evacuate the Big Meadow area and vicinity. Residents should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Residents should monitor emergency services. A significant danger exists. It is suggested that residents voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends. Be ready to evacuate immediately, especially those with special needs, pets, livestock or those needing transportation assistance. A portion of the Newport Ranger District of the Colville National Forest is closed.

* Grizzly Complex is at 2,300 acres and includes the following fires: North Grizzly, South Bobtail Lower Flat, North Suburban, East Suburban, South Suburban, Upper Stoney, Lower Stoney, Downey, and Grizzly Ridge. Fires were active yesterday, especially South Bobtail which is now at 500 acres with a south-southwest spread as fire has compromised the West Fork road and has burned to the Settlers Cedar Grove. The fire is 2 miles north of the structures on Eagle Creek. Point and structure protection is occurring there as well as in South Suburban.

* Snow Peak Complex is at 126 acres and includes the following fires: Ruby Point, 78 acres; Basin Creek, 36 acres; and small fires less than 10 acres - Trail 55, Caribou, Lightning Ridge, Chicadee, Game, Pole Creek, My Ruby, and Salt Pork.