Burns, Oregon – Critical fire weather will grip southeast Oregon this afternoon as scattered thunderstorms with intense lightning threaten to ignite fast-spreading wildfires from Burns to the Southern Grasslands. Gusty outflow winds reaching up to 60 mph will make conditions even more hazardous through late Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. PDT for Fire Weather Zones 670 (Burns BLM) and 672 (Southern Grasslands). The warning signals a high likelihood for new fire starts outside storm cores, where rainfall will be limited. Areas impacted include highways near Burns and open rangelands throughout Harney County.
Residents are urged to avoid all outdoor burning, as any fire could catch and spread rapidly given the dry fuels and erratic winds. Lightning strikes away from rainfall may spark wildfires in grasslands and remote areas, posing risks to ranches and roadways. Preparedness tips include monitoring local alerts, keeping vehicles clear of dry grass, and having an evacuation plan ready.
This is the latest in a series of summer fire warnings for eastern Oregon, with agencies such as Burns BLM and local fire districts on high alert. Red Flag conditions are expected to last until late evening, with additional advisories possible if storms persist.
Stay tuned for updates as the Red Flag Warning remains active through 11 p.m. Wednesday.
