Red flag warning active for Eastern Washington Tuesday - increased fire danger
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On Monday at 10:52 a.m. the NWS Spokane WA released a red flag warning valid for Tuesday between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. The warning is for Okanogan Valley, Waterville Plateau and Western Columbia Basin.
"A dry cold front will approach Tuesday afternoon and pass through the area Tuesday night into Wednesday. Tuesday will be very warm and dry with temperatures in the 90s. Southerly winds will increase across Central WA between Moses Lake and Oroville. Late Tuesday afternoon and early evening, westerly winds will increase through the Cascade Gaps. Winds will remain breezy Tuesday night with fair to poor humidity recoveries. Gusty west to southwest winds will expand across Eastern Washington on Wednesday The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. A Red Flag Warning has also been issued from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. Affected Area: Okanogan Valley (Zone 703), Waterville Plateau (Zone 706) and Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707). Winds: Tuesday: south winds 10 to 20 mph gusts 25 mph. Wednesday: West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Relative Humidities: Tuesday: 6 to 13%. Wednesday: 15 to 20%. Impacts: Rapid fire spread is likely with any new or ongoing fires," states the NWS.
This warning is in effect until Tuesday at 10 p.m.
What does a red flag warning mean?
A red flag warning indicates that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently happening or will happen soon, as per the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
What actions are necessary during a red flag warning?
A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:
1. Bolster burn barrel safety:
If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Responsible disposal of smoking materials:
Prudently discard cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.
3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:
To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it's entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.
4. Never leave fires unattended:
Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service
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This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 10:56 AM.