Pendleton, OR – Residents across the lower Columbia Basin in Oregon and Washington are being urged to exercise caution today as fire weather conditions prompt a Red Flag Warning for the region.
According to the National Weather Service Pendleton office, the warning was issued Wednesday morning after earlier Fire Weather Watches were upgraded due to worsening conditions. The Red Flag Warning will remain in effect through this evening, with the agency warning that gusts up to 35 mph are possible, accompanied by sustained winds of 15-20 mph and very low humidity in the teens to lower twenties.
The Weather Service cautions that these conditions can lead to rapid fire growth, and residents are advised to remain alert for new fire starts. Law enforcement and emergency responders may issue evacuation orders if necessary. Officials also urge the public to secure trailer chains and avoid activities that could produce sparks or flames, emphasizing that no open burning should occur today.
The weather risk for the day is categorized as moderate (3 out of 5), and the agency recommends checking local updates frequently for any changes to evacuation protocols or fire weather alerts.
For continued updates, residents are encouraged to monitor official sources, including NOAA Weather Radio and the National Weather Service Pendleton’s social media and website.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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