Red Flag Warning Issued for Columbia Basin, Oregon and Washington

The National Weather Service upgraded a fire‑weather watch to a Red Flag Warning for the lower Columbia Basin covering parts of Oregon and Washington on Tuesday. The warning, effective from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. PDT, cites wind speeds of 20‑30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, relative humidity as low as 19 %, and temperatures approaching 94 °F. Under these conditions any spark can ignite and spread rapidly, prompting officials to ban outdoor burning and advise residents to avoid activities that could create sparks.

The advisory extends from Hood River, OR, through Yakima, WA, and into the Umatilla National Forest, covering a large area where dry fuels and strong winds heighten wildfire risk. Authorities warned that even routine tasks such as mowing or using power tools could start a fire and urged the public to remain vigilant until cooler, more humid conditions arrive later in the week.