The National Weather Service in Guam is warning of the threat of severe fire in the Northern Marianas in the next few weeks because of a persistent drought.
The Department of Public Safety is urging all citizens in the CNMI to be cautious in lighting outdoor fires.
A spokesperson says the high winds and dry conditions now being experienced make it easy for fires to spread rapidly, and would threaten life and property.
The National Weather Service says an El Nino wind system is affecting the Marianas and this typically extends the region's dry season into June or July.