Critical fire weather conditions are developing across the Pacific Northwest, with Red Flag Warnings now in effect for portions of eastern Oregon and Washington. The warnings — issued by the National Weather Service — are valid through Friday and signal that conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior if ignitions occur.

Eastern Oregon: Baker, Malheur, and Harney Counties

The National Weather Service upgraded an earlier Fire Weather Watch to a full Red Flag Warning for Baker, Malheur, and Harney counties in eastern Oregon on June 25. Low relative humidity and gusty winds are the primary drivers of the warning for this region. These three counties encompass large stretches of rangeland, timber, and agricultural land that are currently at elevated risk following a period of dry, above-normal temperatures.

Washington: Eastern Columbia Basin and Kittitas Valley

In Washington, a Red Flag Warning covers the Columbia Basin, including the Tri-Cities region and surrounding areas of northern Oregon. The National Weather Service notes that gusts will increase to 25–35 mph across the Columbia Basin, with the Kittitas Valley and Simcoe Highlands potentially seeing gusts of 35–45 mph. Combined with warm, dry air and low relative humidity, these conditions create critical fire weather for the region.

A separate Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Lower Columbia Basin, with the NWS stating that "low relative humidity and windy conditions will create critical fire weather conditions across the Yakima Valley, the Columbia Basin of Oregon, the Eastern Columbia River Gorge, and the Mountains of Central Oregon."

What Red Flag Conditions Mean

Red Flag Warnings are issued when critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will occur within 24 hours. The combination of factors — wind, low humidity, and dry fuels — can cause fires to spread rapidly and dramatically increase in size. Suppression resources can be quickly overwhelmed under these conditions.

  • Residents: Avoid any outdoor burning, including debris piles and debris burning already in progress
  • Drivers: Avoid pulling vehicles with catalytic converters over dry grass
  • Recreationists: No campfires outside of established, contained fire rings with adequate water supply
  • Farmers and ranchers: Delay equipment use during peak afternoon wind and heat hours

Looking Ahead

National weather forecasters indicate that drier air will continue to arrive in the Northwest through the weekend, with elevated fire weather potential persisting through at least Saturday. Residents in fire-prone areas across eastern Washington and Oregon are urged to remain vigilant, have evacuation plans ready, and monitor local NWS alerts at weather.gov.