Spokane, Washington – Critical fire weather conditions will grip eastern Washington through Wednesday, as gusty winds and scorching temperatures create a high risk of fast-spreading wildfires from Spokane to Colville and Moses Lake.
According to the National Weather Service Spokane, most of central and eastern Washington—including Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, and Lincoln counties—are under a Red Flag Warning starting Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday evening. Winds from the southwest at 10–30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, and relative humidity dropping as low as 8% will combine with temperatures in the 90s and low 100s to produce prime conditions for fire starts and rapid growth.
Communities in the warning area, including Colville, Ritzville, Pullman, and the Ione region, should expect elevated fire risk, especially during peak afternoon winds. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, fully extinguish campfires, and follow local burn bans. Cigarette disposal and use of equipment that may spark fires should be handled with extra care. Fire crews are on alert, with additional patrols in vulnerable areas near the Washington-Oregon border.
This event marks some of the most dangerous fire weather in the Inland Northwest so far this summer, similar to last July’s outbreak. Fire weather warnings remain in effect through Wednesday night, with further advisories possible if dry, windy conditions persist.
