A combination of extreme heat, critically low relative humidity, and strong winds has generated dangerous fire weather conditions across a broad swath of the Inland Northwest as of July 8-9, 2026. The National Weather Service and National Interagency Fire Center are warning that these conditions are capable of producing rapid fire spread and explosive fire growth in both new and existing fires.

Red Flag Warnings in Effect

Red Flag Warnings — the highest level of fire weather alert, indicating critical fire conditions — are active or recently expired across Central and Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and portions of Southern Idaho. The NWS office in Pendleton issued a Red Flag Warning for southern and eastern Oregon on July 6-7, citing dry, breezy to windy conditions with minimum relative humidity values falling to 10-15%.

For Central and Eastern Washington, the NWS noted that "hot, dry and windy conditions will increase the fire danger" with relative humidity hovering around 10-20% and wind gusts near 35 mph. FOX 13 Meteorologist Ilona McCauley warned that "any fire that may spark could spread very quickly" and urged caution throughout the day.

Wind Events Adding to Danger

The National Interagency Fire Center's July 8 weather summary noted that breezy west to southwest winds of 10-25 mph with gusts of 25-45 mph will develop across much of the Inland Northwest and Great Basin, creating elevated to locally critical fire weather conditions. Outflow wind gusts from isolated thunderstorms could reach up to 50 mph in some locations, potentially producing rapid and erratic fire behavior.

Dry and wet mixed thunderstorms over portions of the Intermountain West could generate new lightning ignitions far from roads — a particular challenge for initial attack crews. The NIFC noted that lightning starts in remote terrain carry elevated potential to grow into large fires before resources can reach them.

Fuels Are Critically Dry

Fine fuels — grasses, shrubs, and light brush — across Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and Southern Idaho are in critically dry condition following a warmer and drier-than-average spring. The Northwest Predictive Services June outlook identified above-normal significant fire potential extending through July across the Inland Northwest.

These conditions are reflected in the rapid growth of recent fires: the Chelan Hills Fire (Washington), Ryegrass Coulee Fire (Washington), Claremont Fire (Idaho), and North Cayuse Fire (Oregon) all exhibited rapid spread driven by fine fuel availability combined with low humidity and wind.

Fire Restrictions in Place

Fire restrictions have been implemented by multiple agencies across the region. Washington State's Department of Natural Resources implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions on June 25 that remain in effect across eastern portions of the state. Campfire bans and prohibition on certain outdoor burning activities are in place on many National Forest and BLM lands throughout the region.

  • Avoid all open burning, including campfires, even in developed campgrounds unless metal fire rings are provided and permitted
  • Do not park vehicles in tall dry grass — catalytic converters can ignite fires
  • Avoid operating equipment that generates sparks or heat during the hottest, windiest parts of the day
  • Report smoke and fires immediately by calling 911

The outlook through mid-July calls for continued above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation across the region, meaning fire weather conditions are expected to persist. Residents and visitors in fire-prone areas of the Pacific Northwest are urged to remain vigilant and prepared.