Red flag warnings for almost all of Oregon and Washington for lightning on dry fuels today, tonight, and tomorrow. Bad situation unfolding before an extreme heat wave builds into the Pacific NW this weekend.
Any fires that start through the weekend could show large growth early next week as the ridge breaks down and strong and gusty onshore winds plus mixing of the atmosphere from upper level support could promote extreme fire behavior. Magnitude 9 out of 10 sequence.
It’s only been about 12 hours since the lightning event…. Already many fires popping up with smoke columns on satellite imagery. Watch duty showing about 40-50 at least.
Just looked at the Sat view, its no bueno! No matter where you turn fire season has found us all, go figure! This current pulse of heat & monsoon is making way too many long term resource draining fires across the West! Bad monsoon!! Hang on R6, you got this!!
Region 6 ought to think about moving those 700+ firefighters that have been committed all summer on the Pioneer Fire (with a predicated control date of 10/31) and put them on some fires they can put out!
Dr. Swain mentioned August seeing some big heat again, are you thinking the same thing ?
Yes indeed