FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The North Dakota Air National Guard is helping with search and recovery efforts after the Texas flash flooding, all without ever leaving North Dakota.

A 7-member team are flying MQ9 unmanned aircraft (in Texas) from the base in Fargo, using satellite technology.

Team members say they’re primarily focusing on places that don’t have roads or are difficult to see from the ground, but they also have technology to help them map out the area for first responders on the ground.

The team’s work started Thursday. They plan to be there through July 16.

Officials say they’ve been doing this type of work for 18-straight years.

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North Dakota could be affected by smoke from Canadian wildfires in the coming days, the state Department of Environmental Quality said in a July 10 news release.

The department advised residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities when conditions are smoky in their location.

The air quality across much of central and eastern North Dakota ranged from moderate to unhealthy by the late morning of July 11, according to AirNow.gov.  

With active wildfires and changing wind patterns, air quality can be unpredictable – it may improve at times or get worse quickly, the department said.

What to do when the air quality is unhealthy

If you can see or smell smoke in the air, here’s how to protect your health:

• Stay inside with the windows and doors closed.
• Limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Set air conditioners or vehicle vents to recirculate indoor air.

What is the air quality index?

The air quality index is a color-coded tool that shows the level of air pollution and associated health effects. Here are the six different categories and what they mean:

• Green, 0 to 50: The air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• Yellow, 51 to 100: The air quality is moderate, and there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are sensitive to air pollution.
• Orange, 101 to 150: The air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. The general public is less likely to be affected.
• Red, 151 to 200: The air quality is unhealthy, and some members of the general public may experience health effects.
• Purple, 201 to 300: The air quality is very unhealthy. The risk of health effects is higher for everyone.
• Maroon, 301 or more: The air quality warrants a health warning for emergency conditions, and everyone is more likely to experience health effects.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo will soon be having another Taste of Philly with the new restaurant’s grand opening on Friday.

The third location in North Dakota for Taste of Philly had a soft opening today across from Sheyenne High School.

The chain was started by owner Tim Brown over thirty years ago.

Originally from Philadelphia, Brown has been a Fargo native for the past twenty years.

Bringing Fargo their first taste of the ‘real Philly cheesesteak’ back in January along 13th Avenue South. The other location is in Grand Forks.

“We’ve seen a lot of good success in the Colorado markets, so moving here to North Dakota and getting an opportunity to start a get a different market. Get some people who haven’t really experienced cheesesteaks like that. It’s a good opportunity, and I think people are really coming around to the idea of cheesesteaks,” said Ryan Stroup, General Manager at Taste of Philly.

Customers who visit Taste of Philly this month can mention KVRR at the new location and receive $5 off a sandwich.