Extreme Fire Warnings Hit Millions in US West

Newsweek

13 hours ago

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Millions of Americans across eight Western states are at risk of extreme fire activity on Wednesday as National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued widespread red flag warnings.
Newsweek reached out to the NWS office in Spokane, Washington, one of the regions affected by the red flag warning, via phone for comment.
Why It Matters
The red flag warnings underscored the mounting wildfire threat across the Western U.S. during the height of the summer fire season. Prolonged drought, above-average temperatures, and critically dry vegetation set the stage for conditions where even a single spark could lead to fast-moving and dangerous wildfires.
As of Wednesday morning, numerous wildfires were reported across the region, including ones spanning thousands of acres in Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.
The warnings were intended to alert the public that any new or existing fires could intensify unpredictably, threatening people, property and air quality.
A stock photo shows a helicopter fighting wildfires.
A stock photo shows a helicopter fighting wildfires.
Toa55/Getty
What To Know
The eight states at an elevated fire risk on Wednesday are Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming.
Foothills of Northeast Washington
The NWS in Spokane kept a red flag warning in effect from noon to 8 p.m. PDT Wednesday for the foothills of Northeast Washington.
Forecasters called for southwest winds of 10 mph to 20 mph, gusting up to 30 mph, and relative humidity from 14 percent to 25 percent.
A similar warning issued by the Spokane office highlighted the risk for the western and eastern Columbia Basin and the Spokane area, where winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
Medford, Oregon: Klamath Basin, Fremont-Winema National Forest and South Central Oregon Desert
The NWS in Medford echoed similar concerns for the Fremont National Forest and much of Lake County—from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. PDT.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms and potential lightning strikes on dry fuels raised the risk, while thunderstorm outflows could produce gusts from 35 mph to 55 mph.
Elko, Nevada: Multiple Central and Eastern Fire Zones
In Nevada, red flag warnings remained in effect from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. PDT for fire weather zones spanning southeastern Humboldt, northern Lander, Elko and Eureka counties.
Winds from the west to southwest of 15 mph to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, combined with extremely low humidity from 5 percent to 10 percent, creating conditions conducive to wildfire ignition.
Salt Lake City, Utah: Central and Southern Regions
The Salt Lake City office maintained red flag warnings from noon to 9 p.m. MDT for the Central Utah West Desert, Central Utah Mountains, Color Country regions, the Mojave Desert and the Grand Staircase.
Southwest winds of 15 mph to 25 mph and relative humidity as low as 7 percent to 15 percent were forecast.
Pocatello, Idaho: Middle Snake River Valley and Surrounding Areas
In southern Idaho, red flag warnings were in place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. MDT for fire weather zones north and south of the Snake River in the Twin Falls area.
West winds of 10 mph to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, and humidity as low as 10 percent, were forecast.
Grand Junction, Colorado: Southwest Colorado and surrounding areas
The NWS office in Grand Junction issued a red flag warning to go into effect on Thursday afternoon. Fire weather zones in southwest Colorado, the Paradox Valley, northern San Juan, North Fork, and Gunnison Basin were at risk.
"Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended," the NWS office in Grand Junction said with the warning.
Northeastern Montana and Southern Wyoming
Similar red flag warnings were issued for parts of northeastern Montana and southern Wyoming.
Meteorologists warned about low humidity and gusty winds. Passing thunderstorms could prompt sudden increases in wind speeds, contributing to fire risk should lightning strike and ignite a flame.
What People Are Saying
NWS, in a Wednesday forecast: "For fire weather threats, the Storm Prediction Center has an Elevated fire weather danger across the interior Northwest and the Great Basin for today, as dry fuels and gusty southwesterly surface winds provide favorable conditions for fire spread."
NWS office in Boise, Idaho: "A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will occur shortly."
What Happens Next
Red flag warnings were expected to expire at varying times on Wednesday evening as winds gradually abated and humidity levels increased overnight. The Montana warning will last until the early morning hours on Thursday.
The NWS urged the public to check for updates via official channels and remain alert to any extension of warnings or new advisories.