Red flag warning active for Eastern Washington Thursday - enhanced fire threat

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On Wednesday at 11 a.m. a red flag warning was released by the NWS Spokane WA valid for Thursday between noon and 9 p.m. The warning is for Colville Reservation, Okanogan Valley, Central Washington Cascade Foothills, Waterville Plateau, Western Columbia Basin, Eastern Columbia Basin / Palouse / Spokane area and Lower Palouse / Snake River.

"The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. Affected Area: Colville Reservation (Zone 702), Okanogan Valley (Zone 703), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705), Waterville Plateau (Zone 706), Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707), Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708) and Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709). Winds: Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Relative Humidities: 12 to 20%. Impacts: Rapid fire spread is likely with any new or ongoing fires," states the NWS.

This warning is in effect until Thursday at 9 p.m.

What does a red flag warning indicate?

A red flag warning implies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently taking place or will occur shortly, according to the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.

What are the recommended measures to take during a red flag warning?

During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:

1. Secure burn barrels:

If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

2. Responsible disposal of smoking materials:

Prudently discard cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.

3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

To prevent inadvertent fires, diligently douse all outdoor fires. Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Submerge charcoal until it's thoroughly bereft of residual heat. Never depart from live charcoal unattended.

4. Never leave fires unattended:

Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published June 24, 2026 at 11:03 AM.