A combination of intense heat, critically low humidity, and gusty winds has generated Red Flag Warning conditions across significant portions of the Pacific Northwest this week, with fire weather conditions driving rapid fire growth on multiple incidents.

Red Flag Warnings

The National Weather Service office in Pendleton, Oregon issued a Red Flag Warning on June 23 for the Columbia Basin of Oregon, in effect from 7:11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PDT. The warning cited breezy northeast winds with gusts around 30 mph and relative humidity values dropping below 20 percent across portions of the Columbia Basin during Tuesday afternoon hours — conditions that directly correspond with rapid fire spread potential.

A similar Red Flag Warning was issued for the Tri-Cities area and central Washington on June 20, lasting from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., ahead of the weekend's fire activity that contributed to ignitions and growth on several incidents. The National Weather Service rated fire weather risk at moderate, noting hot temperatures, wind, and low relative humidity as the driving factors.

Central Oregon: EXTREME Fire Danger

Central Oregon federal public lands — including the Deschutes National Forest, Prineville District BLM, and John Day Fossil Beds National Monument — have elevated their fire danger rating to EXTREME, the highest possible level. The Deschutes National Forest reached EXTREME danger before the end of June, which fire officials describe as unusually early and reflective of an accelerated drying timeline this season.

At EXTREME fire danger: new fire starts are likely to spread rapidly and become large fires before initial attack resources can establish control. Fire restrictions are in place for all Central Oregon federal lands, prohibiting campfires and other ignition-risk activities. Residents and recreationists are urged to strictly follow all posted restrictions.

Broad Atmospheric Pattern

A high pressure ridge aloft is dominating the weather pattern across much of the western United States, bringing above-normal temperatures and suppressed precipitation. According to the National Interagency Fire Center's June 24 national fire news, the ridge is near its peak intensity, and a gradual escalation in fire activity is anticipated throughout the West as lightning holdovers continue to emerge amid accelerated landscape drying.

Relative humidity values of 10-15 percent are forecast across most of the Intermountain West, with single-digit humidity in the Great Basin and portions of the Southwest. While the PNW is somewhat better positioned than the Great Basin, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and southern Idaho are experiencing humidity levels well below historical averages for late June.

Season Outlook

The National Interagency Coordination Center's outlook places most of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho at above-normal wildfire potential through August. Contributing factors include:

  • Washington's fourth consecutive year of drought conditions
  • Developing El Nino conditions in the tropical Pacific contributing to warm, dry patterns
  • Below-normal snowpack that melted early, leaving fuels abnormally dry by mid-June
  • Above-normal temperatures across the region since spring

What You Can Do

  • Avoid all outdoor burning — fire restrictions are in effect on federal lands across Central Oregon and are expanding.
  • Never park vehicles in dry grass — catalytic converters can ignite fires.
  • Tow chains must be secured and not allowed to drag on pavement or bare ground.
  • Report wildfires immediately by calling 911. Early detection is critical during high-danger periods.
  • Have a go-kit and evacuation plan ready before a fire starts in your area.