Fire weather conditions across the Pacific Northwest — particularly east of the Cascade Range — have deteriorated sharply in recent days, with Red Flag Warnings issued across large portions of Eastern Washington and the Inland Northwest as dry cold fronts, gusty winds, and critically low humidity create ideal conditions for fast-moving wildfires.

Red Flag Warning Zones

The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings across much of Eastern Washington during the past week, including the Colville Reservation, Okanogan Valley, Waterville Plateau, Columbia Basin, and the Spokane area. The warnings reflect a combination of factors that fire weather forecasters consider most dangerous:

  • Wind speeds of 10-20 mph with gusts reaching 30-45 mph
  • Relative humidity dropping to 12-20% during afternoon hours
  • Critically dry vegetation across the region
  • Recent dry cold fronts bringing gusty, shifting winds

Fuel Conditions Unusually Dry for Late June

Fire managers are particularly concerned about the state of larger fuels across the Pacific Northwest. "100-hour fuels" — the medium-sized dead vegetation that takes roughly four days to respond to changes in humidity — are reaching moisture levels that are typically not seen until mid-to-late summer. This means more vegetation across the landscape is primed to burn than would normally be the case in late June.

Washington DNR elevated the statewide fire danger rating to HIGH on June 26 and implemented an immediate burn ban on all DNR-protected lands. Douglas and Whatcom counties have also implemented local Stage 1 burn bans.

A Slight Break, Then More Heat Expected

A Pacific weather system is bringing some moderating conditions to the Northwest as of this weekend, with increased humidity and cooler temperatures expected in the northern Intermountain West. However, fire weather forecasters warn this relief is temporary. Hot, dry conditions are expected to return across the region heading into July, which historically marks the beginning of the most active wildfire weeks of the year in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

The National Weather Service office in Portland (weather.gov/pqr) and the Spokane office are the primary sources for updated fire weather information in the Pacific Northwest.

Fire Weather Safety

During Red Flag Warnings, residents and recreationists in affected areas should:

  • Avoid any activities that could generate sparks, including off-road vehicles in dry grass
  • Never leave campfires unattended and ensure they are fully extinguished
  • Avoid parking or idling vehicles in tall dry grass
  • Know your evacuation routes before fire season peaks
  • Report new smoke immediately by calling 911