Even as the 2026 wildfire season shows signs of moderating, dangerous fire weather conditions returned to parts of the Pacific Northwest this week. The National Weather Service office in Medford, Oregon issued Red Flag Warnings for fire weather zone 285 beginning September 23 and extending through September 24 at 8:00 p.m. PDT.

Red Flag Warning Details

The warnings cited a combination of conditions capable of producing rapid fire spread:

  • Winds: Southwest 12–20 mph with gusts of 30–35 mph
  • Relative humidity: Critically low values through the afternoon hours
  • Impact: Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly

Fire managers and the public were urged to avoid any activities that could spark ignitions, including equipment use, target shooting, and open burning of any kind. Despite the approach of fall, late-season wind events in southern Oregon regularly produce dangerous fire weather, particularly in the Siskiyou and Klamath mountain zones.

Columbia Gorge Wind Event

The NIFC national weather brief noted that breezy west winds were developing through Cascade Mountain gaps this week, with gusts to 35 mph expected. The Columbia River Gorge — a notorious wind funnel that regularly sees sustained gap-wind events — was highlighted as a specific concern area.

The combination of low humidity, gusty winds, and residual dry fuels from the summer creates conditions that fire agencies take seriously even in September. Fuel moisture data shows that 1,000-hour fuels in many PNW locations are still well below threshold values, despite recent rainfall in some areas.

Northern California Also at Risk

Just to the south, northern California continues to face poor overnight humidity recovery with relative humidity values of 10–20% and breezy winds. NIFC meteorologists note that significant fire potential for that region remains low despite these conditions, owing to the time of year and recent moisture history.

Seasonal Shift Underway

The broader picture is one of transition. After 48 consecutive days at National Preparedness Level 5 — maintained from July 18 through September 3 — conditions have improved markedly. The national preparedness level dropped from PL 5 to PL 4 on September 4, to PL 3 on September 9, and to PL 2 on September 22.

However, fire meteorologists caution that late-season wind events can produce new fire starts. Residents in fire-prone areas of southern Oregon, the Gorge corridor, and eastern Washington should remain prepared for the possibility of rapid fire development through at least early October. For current fire weather watches and warnings, check the NWS Medford forecast office at weather.gov/mfr and monitor airnow.gov for air quality conditions.