The National Weather Service in Boise issued a Red Flag Warning today for Oregon’s Malheur County, in effect from Noon until 9:00pm Mountain Time on Friday.
The warning for increased fire potential is the result of thunderstorms forecast in the region with wind gusts of up to 40 mph today, creating a potential for fire growth should an ignition occur.
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire agencies of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.
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. 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.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry