Dangerous fire weather continues to grip the Pacific Northwest, with Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches in effect across large portions of Oregon and Washington as of July 11. A combination of above-normal heat, critically low humidity, and gusty winds has created some of the worst fire weather conditions seen this season — and forecasters warn that conditions will not improve significantly through the weekend.

Current Red Flag Conditions

The National Weather Service offices in Pendleton, Spokane, and Boise have issued or extended Red Flag Warnings across portions of eastern Oregon, central and eastern Washington, and southwestern Idaho. The warnings reflect the convergence of multiple critical fire weather factors:

  • Temperatures: Above normal by 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit across the Inland Northwest, with highs reaching 95 to 105°F in lower elevations
  • Relative humidity: Afternoon minimums of 5 to 15 percent — well below the 25 percent threshold associated with critical fire behavior
  • Winds: Southwest to west winds at 12 to 22 mph with gusts to 30 mph, sufficient to rapidly spread any new ignitions

The NIFC national weather summary notes that these conditions will persist across the southern and western Great Basin, northern Arizona, much of the Inland Northwest, and into northeastern California through the forecast period.

Dry Thunderstorms a Significant Threat

Monsoonal moisture lifting northward from the Southwest is bringing dry thunderstorms to areas east of the Cascades. These storms — which produce lightning strikes without delivering meaningful precipitation — are among the most dangerous ignition sources for wildland fires. Several of the fires currently burning in eastern Oregon and Washington were started by lightning from dry thunderstorm activity earlier this week.

The NWS office in Pendleton issued a Red Flag Warning on July 6 specifically highlighting the combination of dry thunderstorm activity and critical daytime fire weather conditions across portions of eastern Oregon. Similar messages have been issued for interior Washington.

Inland Northwest Particularly Vulnerable

Multiple fires currently burning across the region ignited or grew dramatically during Red Flag Warning periods this week. The B&O Fire near Okanogan, the Anthony Fire on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and the HWY 97 MP 43 Fire near Toppenish were all new large fire starts reported July 10 — eight new large fires nationally on that day alone.

Fire managers note that critically dry fuels — driven by the driest winter in recent memory and ongoing drought — mean that any ignition has an elevated potential to become a large fire very quickly. Even fires in areas not under Red Flag Warnings can spread rapidly given existing fuel conditions.

What to Do During Red Flag Warnings

State fire agencies ask the public to observe the following precautions during Red Flag Warning periods:

  • Do not use fireworks, even where legal
  • Avoid campfires; check current fire restrictions before heading outdoors
  • Do not park vehicles on dry grass — catalytic converters can ignite fires
  • Avoid target shooting with metal or steel-core ammunition in dry, grassy areas
  • Report new smoke or fire to 911 immediately

Current fire restrictions for national forests and BLM lands in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho can be found at InciWeb.wildfire.gov and individual agency websites.