Red flag warning issued for Eastern Washington for Thursday - high fire danger

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On Wednesday at 9:10 p.m. a red flag warning was issued by the NWS Spokane WA valid for Thursday between 3 a.m. and 11 p.m. The warning is for Okanogan Highlands & Kettle Mountains, Colville Reservation and Okanogan Valley.

"Two rounds of showers and thunderstorms will impact Central and Eastern Washington between Wednesday night and Thursday evening. The first round will track south to north through Central Washington Wednesday night into Thursday morning and will consist of a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with scattered lightning strikes. Rainfall amounts will generally range from a trace to a tenth of an inch, but may be higher if multiple storms move over the same area. As this activity drifts north of Highway 2 Thursday morning, lightning activity will become isolated. A second round of thunderstorms will track southwest to northeast late Thursday morning into Thursday evening. A few storms could be strong during this time with frequent lightning and hail. Gusty outflow winds and new fire starts will be a concern with any thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Thursday evening. The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 3 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699), Colville Reservation (Zone 702) and Okanogan Valley (Zone 703). Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms Thursday morning with a second round of storms Thursday afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts Thursday morning up to 30 mph. Outflow wind gusts Thursday afternoon and evening up to 50 mph. Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds," explains the NWS.

This warning is in effect until Thursday at 11 p.m.

What does a red flag warning mean?

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 steps should you follow during a red flag warning?

A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards 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:

Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking 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 leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 9:14 PM.