Pendleton, Oregon – Red Flag Warnings now stretch across much of central and eastern Oregon and parts of south central Washington, as dangerous fire weather conditions settle in from Thursday afternoon through Friday night. Officials are urging residents in the Columbia Basin, John Day Valley, Warm Springs Reservation, and Columbia River Gorge to prepare for fast-moving wildfires as gusty winds combine with single-digit humidity.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, the Red Flag Warning takes effect at 1 p.m. Thursday and lasts through 10 p.m. Friday. Winds are expected to range from 10 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, and relative humidity dropping as low as 10 percent. These critical conditions will make it easy for any spark to become a rapidly spreading wildfire.
Cities and rural communities in Umatilla, Morrow, Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam counties, along with the Warm Springs Reservation and John Day Valley, face the highest risk. Outdoor burning is not recommended and most local agencies have suspended burn permits. Residents are asked to avoid open flames, secure trailer chains, and refrain from using equipment that could spark in dry grass. Travel on Highway 97, I-84, and US-395 could be impacted by any wildfire activity.
This is the region’s most widespread Red Flag event of the summer so far. Officials note that similar patterns in 2021 led to fast-moving fires across the Columbia Plateau and Cascade foothills.
The current warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Friday, and more advisories could follow if hot, dry, and windy weather persists. Residents should be ready to act quickly if evacuations are ordered.
