Red flag warnings spark concerns of wildfires in WA. This interactive fire map shows where
Despite being in the thick of wildfire season, Washington firefighters are enjoying a relatively peaceful August. But the National Weather Service in Seattle is warning people not to rest on their laurels, especially over the next couple of days, as dry, hot and unstable conditions have resulted in red flag warnings throughout the state.
A red flag warning is issued when dry conditions, warm weather and high winds combine to create a potential fire danger.
“We are seeing a heightened fire danger basically along the Cascades,” said Steve Reedy, a meteorologist with the Weather Service in Seattle. “We’re looking for drying unstable conditions to develop.”
Some unexpected clouds from Oregon have ventured north into the Evergreen State, which could help diminish red flag conditions, Reedy said. However, he’s still expecting a warm day with low relative humidity.
The Weather Service forecasts temperatures on Thursday in the high 80s in western Washington and as high as 106 in central Washington.
Here's a sampling of high temps across the West on Wednesday pic.twitter.com/TBsoMxub7r
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) August 18, 2022
As of Thursday morning, there were no major fire concerns in Washington, with the state’s largest fire, the Vantage Highway Fire in Kittitas County, 100% contained. As a result, there are no smoke concerns for much of the state except near Spokane, where the Diamond Watch Fire has resulted in a moderate air quality index rating.
A live fire and smoke map can be viewed at fire.airnow.gov.
But with the red flag warning still in effect for either side of the Cascades, Reedy still encourages people to take caution when around areas with potential fire fuel on the ground, such as dry grass and leaves.
Another concern we're monitoring - fire danger will be high, particularly with the dry, hot, and unstable conditions WED - THU. Additional rounds of high fire danger will be possible as we remain warm and dry. Avoid activities that could cause a spark! #wawx pic.twitter.com/vY41E2NDrw
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) August 16, 2022
“For example, don’t drive out into grass with a hot exhaust. We want to encourage people not to fling cigarette butts out the window that could also easily start a fire,” Reedy said. “Dragging chains would also be another good one, anything that creates sparks.”
The Weather Service is also keeping an eye on the potential for isolated thunderstorms over the Cascades on Thursday, where a lightning strike could also ignite a wildfire.
The following interactive map uses data from the National Interagency Fire Center to pinpoint active fires in Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The map updates daily and details the wildfire’s name, cause and acres burned.
