Red Flag Warning conditions are persisting across large portions of eastern Oregon and Washington as hot, dry, and windy weather continues to produce extreme fire danger. The combination of critically low relative humidity, abundant dry fuels, and gusty winds is keeping fire managers on high alert, and officials are warning the public to avoid any activity that could spark a new ignition.

A Historic Fire Weather Event

Earlier this month, the National Weather Service issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (PDS) Red Flag Warning for central and eastern Oregon — only the second such designation ever issued in the Pacific Northwest. The rare PDS designation, which signals fire weather conditions of exceptional severity, was triggered by a dry cold frontal passage that brought wind gusts of 40 to 55 miles per hour across the high desert and Columbia Plateau. The combination drove explosive fire growth on several incidents and created what fire managers described as "extremely critical" conditions not seen in the region since September 2020.

Current Warning Areas

As of August 18, Red Flag Warnings remain in effect or are being periodically reissued for:

  • Central and eastern Oregon, including portions of Harney, Malheur, Lake, Crook, and Wheeler counties
  • Eastern Washington, including the Columbia Basin, Okanogan Highlands, and the Blue Mountains
  • Portions of northern and central Idaho

Fire weather watch and Red Flag Warning products are being issued on shorter timeframes as the National Weather Service tracks day-to-day variability in humidity and wind patterns. Residents in these areas should check weather.gov regularly for the latest watches and warnings.

Lightning Threat Adding New Ignitions

In addition to wind-driven spread on existing fires, thunderstorm activity has been producing lightning strikes across central Oregon, creating new ignition risks. Dry lightning — storms that produce little to no rainfall at ground level — is among the most dangerous weather patterns for fire managers, as it can start dozens of small fires simultaneously, overwhelming initial attack resources before any individual fire can be contained.

Campfire Restrictions

Campfire restrictions are in effect on all federal lands across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Most Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service districts are under Stage 2 fire restrictions, prohibiting all open fires, including campfires, charcoal, and gas stoves, on federal land. Some areas have implemented additional closures. Check with your local ranger district or BLM field office before your trip.

Public Responsibility

With fuels at critically dry levels, officials stress that human-caused ignitions are especially dangerous right now. Spark arrestors are required on all motor vehicles operating off-road. Vehicles should not be parked in areas where exhaust heat can contact dry grass. Avoid towing vehicles with potentially faulty chains or dragging equipment that could create sparks along roadways.