Fire weather concerns remain elevated across the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies heading into the second week of September, with the National Weather Service issuing Red Flag Warnings and forecasters warning that fire danger will remain above normal through the end of the year.

Particularly Dangerous Situation Warning

The National Weather Service issued a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning across parts of eastern Washington and Oregon — including the Spokane and Pendleton forecast areas — during the peak of the fire outbreak in early August. PDS-level warnings are reserved for when fire weather conditions are expected to be significantly worse than a standard Red Flag Warning, typically combining critically low humidity, strong winds, and very dry fuels.

Current Fire Weather Conditions

As of September 10-11, 2026, fire weather forecasters at the Northwest Coordination Center report the following conditions across the region:

  • Inland Northwest and northern Great Basin: Breezy winds with relative humidity expected to remain mostly above 15-20% — elevated but below critical thresholds
  • Wyoming and southeast Montana: Dry and breezy west winds with gusts to 45 mph and minimum relative humidity of 7-20%, creating locally critical fire conditions
  • California: Hot temperatures and low relative humidity of 10-20%, with light winds tempering the overall fire weather threat

Red Flag Warnings are in effect across five states — primarily in the northern Rockies and northern Plains — where very low relative humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds are combining to produce critical fire weather conditions, according to The Watchers weather reporting service.

Long-Range Fire Danger Outlook

A fire danger outlook published by Rogue Valley Times and based on NIFC seasonal forecasts warns that Pacific Northwest fire danger remains elevated through December. For the northwestern half of the Great Basin, above-normal risk of large fires is expected to continue through September due to the pattern of rapidly resuming fire activity after each brief dry spell.

The outlook cites record-setting drought conditions across the region as a key driver. Despite some rainfall events in early September that helped crews on several Oregon fires, fuel moisture levels remain critically low across much of eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and southern Idaho.

What Homeowners and Recreationists Should Know

Fire safety officials urge Pacific Northwest residents to remain vigilant even as the most dramatic phase of the 2026 fire season appears to be moderating:

  • Continue to maintain defensible space around structures
  • Know your evacuation routes and have a go-bag ready
  • Avoid any outdoor burning — statewide burn bans remain in effect in Washington
  • Check campfire restrictions before any outdoor recreation
  • Monitor AirNow.gov and local NWS offices for air quality and fire weather alerts

The NWS offices in Spokane, Portland, Boise, and Missoula are updating Red Flag Watch and Warning products daily. Residents can sign up for local emergency alerts through their county emergency management office.