OTHELLO — The Storm Prediction Center has issued a rare warning for extreme fire danger across Central and Eastern Washington on Saturday.
Strong winds and relative humidity between 10% and 15% will create conditions for rapid, explosive fire growth. The forecast comes as firefighters across the region continue battling multiple wildfires with already strained resources.
A Red Flag Warning covers much of Central and Eastern Washington, from Kittitas County to North Idaho, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. The National Weather Service forecasts southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. Any fire that ignites could spread rapidly.
Utilities have begun preparing for the dangerous conditions. Chelan County Public Utility District announced it may shut off power in parts of its service area as a precaution. Because downed power lines can spark wildfires, the utility plans to cut power where necessary to reduce the risk.
State emergency officials have also taken action.
“Fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan to pre-position firefighting resources to respond to potential wildfires” in all counties east of the Cascade crest, according to a news release from the Washington State Fire Protection Bureau.
The bureau also designated Saturday’s forecast as a “Particularly Dangerous Situation,” a rare classification reserved for exceptionally dangerous fire weather that demands immediate public attention.
Closer to home, Franklin County Fire District 1 called Saturday’s fire danger “off the charts” in a social media post. The district urged anyone towing a trailer to make sure safety chains cannot drag on the roadway, where they can throw sparks.
Fire agencies also urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, refrain from smoking in dry vegetation, postpone yard work that uses power equipment and properly dispose of barbecue coals.
A cooler weather pattern arrives Sunday. Forecasters expect highs in the low to mid-80s, below normal for this time of year. Temperatures will climb back to seasonal averages Monday.
