Extreme Fire Danger Declared East of the Cascades Amid Strong Winds and Low Humidity
Extreme Fire Danger Declared East of the Cascades Amid Strong Winds and Low Humidity
US · Published Aug 1, 2026
The National Weather Service offices in Pendleton, Oregon, and Spokane, Washington, have issued 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' (PDS) Red Flag Warnings for several zones east of the Cascades on Saturday, August 1,
This is the first time these specific warnings have been issued by these offices. The Storm Prediction Center has placed all of central and eastern Oregon under a critical fire risk, with an extremely critical risk in central and eastern Washington, parts of north-central Oregon, and the northern Lower Columbia River Basin. A dry cold front is expected to bring strong westerly winds with gusts up to 45 mph (72 km/h) and sustained winds of 20-30 mph (32-48 km/h), combined with very low relative humidity, creating conditions favorable for rapid fire growth. Source time: Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:30:01 GMT.

Impact & Risks

The PDS Red Flag Warnings indicate a high likelihood of rapid fire growth, posing significant risks to areas east of the Cascades, including central and eastern Oregon and Washington. Specific zones under PDS warnings include parts of Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Wheeler, and Grant counties in Oregon, as well as the Lower Columbia River Basin. The combination of strong winds, extremely dry fuels, and low humidity creates a critical burn environment, increasing the potential for extreme fire behavior and significant fire spread. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuations.

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