Pendleton, OR – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for parts of eastern Oregon and southeast Washington, with thunderstorms expected to increase the risk of new wildfires. The watch will be in effect on Sunday, covering the Lower Columbia Basin, Blue Mountains, Wallowa District, and Southeast Washington’s Grande Ronde Valley.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pendleton, cloud-to-ground lightning and gusty winds could lead to erratic fire behavior. The thunderstorms, expected from morning through evening, heighten the danger of new fire starts. The fire weather risk level is classified as moderate, rated 3 out of 5.
Authorities urge residents to stay alert, avoid outdoor burning, and report any new fires immediately. Winds accompanying the storms could spread fires rapidly, making conditions hazardous for local communities. The NWS recommends seeking shelter if storms approach and following all fire safety precautions.
