The National Weather Service in Portland has extended the Red Flag Warning for high fire potential in eastern Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Marion County, Linn County and eastern Lane County. The Red Flag Warning for these regions of Oregon is in effect until 6:00 Monday morning September 12.
Wind gusts are forecast to increase on Friday, with some exposed areas of higher elevations sustaining gusts of 25 to 35 mph. Hot temperatures are forecast with relative humidity as low as 10 to 15 percent on ridges.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire this week and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry