SEATTLE — The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for significant portions of eastern Washington and Oregon, signaling a return of the critical fire weather conditions that have driven rapid fire growth throughout August 2026. Fire managers across the Pacific Northwest are on heightened alert as the combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and gusty winds creates dangerous conditions for both new ignitions and existing large fires.

What the Warnings Cover

Red Flag Warnings are active for parts of southeast and north-central Oregon, where the National Weather Service is forecasting:

  • Southwest winds sustained at 15–25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph
  • Relative humidity dropping into the critical 9–19% range
  • Unseasonably warm temperatures further drying out already parched fuels

Earlier this season, the NWS issued a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning across parts of eastern Washington and Oregon, including the Spokane and Pendleton corridors — a designation reserved for when conditions are likely to produce extreme fire behavior.

Why September Can Be Dangerous

Many residents assume that fall marks the end of fire season, but September is historically one of the most dangerous fire months in the Pacific Northwest. Vegetation has had an entire summer to dry out, fuels are at their most cured state, and seasonal wind patterns can drive aggressive fire runs through landscapes already stressed by heat and drought.

The 2026 season has seen fuels in exceptionally poor condition. NIFC's fuels and fire behavior advisories remain active for the Pacific Northwest, reflecting critically dry conditions in both standing timber and ground-level fuels.

Fire Weather Outlook

According to the NIFC September 2 weather briefing, a moderation in conditions is developing for the Northwest, with cooler temperatures and developing rain expected to help reduce fire activity over the coming days. However, this relief is expected to be temporary, and isolated to scattered thunderstorms could trigger new lightning ignitions even as some fires are moderated.

The broader West continues to experience dangerous conditions. The southern Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and Nevada are seeing minimum relative humidity of 5–20% with breezy winds — fire weather that is directly affecting resource availability for the Northwest as well.

NWCC Preparedness Level 4

The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center remains at Preparedness Level 4, meaning resources are under significant strain. When red flag conditions are forecast, dispatchers across the region shift to higher alert, pre-position resources, and prepare for potential new starts and rapid dispatch requests.

What You Should Do During Red Flag Conditions

  • Do not start any outdoor fires, including campfires, burn piles, or debris burns
  • Avoid parking vehicles in dry grass — hot exhaust and undercarriage sparks can ignite fires
  • Do not use equipment that creates sparks (angle grinders, mowers with metal blades) in dry grass
  • Keep emergency kit ready and know your evacuation routes in advance
  • Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911

For current red flag warnings and fire weather watches, visit the NWS Fire Weather page and the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.