SIDNEY - The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department responded to a tree on fire outside of St. Patrick's Catholic Church at approximately 4 p.m. Friday.
 
Fire fighters quickly extinguished the blaze and hosed down surrounding plants as a precaution. The cause of the fire hasn't been released. 
 
A red flag warning remains in place until 8 p.m. Friday for the Sidney area. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.
 
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office issued a critical fire weather day for Friday.