Headline

Red Flag Warning issued July 31 at 8:16AM PDT until August 1 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Description

...PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION (PDS) RED FLAG IN EFFECT 2PM
UNTIL 8PM SATURDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS: OKANOGAN VALLEY (ZONE
703) - COLVILLE RESERVATION (ZONE 702) - WATERVILLE PLATEAU (ZONE
706) - WESTERN COLUMBIA BASIN (ZONE 707) - EASTERN COLUMBIA BASIN
(ZONE 708) AND LOWER PALOUSE AND SNAKE RIVER (ZONE 709). WIND
GUSTS OF 40 TO 50 MPH COMBINED WITH HUMIDITY LEVELS OF 15 TO 20
PERCENT WILL CREATE EXTREME FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS...

A strong cold front will sweep across the Inland Northwest this
Saturday. Very warm conditions, dry conditions and gusty winds
will contribute to rapid fire spread for any new or ongoing fires.

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Saturday. A PDS red flag is in effect
between 2 PM and 8 PM PDT Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch is no
longer in effect.

* Affected Area: Colville Reservation (Zone 702), Okanogan
Valley (Zone 703), Waterville Plateau (Zone 706), Western
Columbia Basin (Zone 707), Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -
Spokane Area (Zone 708) and Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone
709).

* Winds: Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* Relative Humidities: 15 to 20 percent.

* Impacts: Ongoing fires or new fire ignitions will be favorable
for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior, which
would threaten life and property.

Instructions

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior. PDS Red Flag conditions are
extremely rare due to a combination of high winds and very dry
fuels. New fires will grow rapidly and out of control. Residents
should be prepared to evacuate if a wildfire breaks out. Have
multiple ways to receive instructions from emergency managers, and
evacuate if ordered to or if a fire threatens.

Additional Details