Firefighters across western Washington are bracing for extreme heat conditions this weekend, leading the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag warning — the most severe alert for the potential of wildfires.
“The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, unstable air, and you add all of that to dry fuels with some wind, and it creates our worst nightmare,” said Chief Eric Andrews of the Skykomish Valley Fire Department.
The red flag warning will take effect at 11 a.m. Saturday through Sunday, when temperatures are expected to reach the 90-degree range for the third time this year.
Chief Andrews pointed out that while there is a burn ban in effect, it does not apply to recreational fires contained within a 3-foot radius.
However, Andrews is asking campers in Snohomish not to light campfires this weekend, because of the increased danger of wildfires.
“If they could do without the campfires, that would be great,” Andrew said, adding that an errant spark or ember could ignite an aggressive wind-driven wildfire in dry brush.
Andrews advises anyone planning a recreational fire to monitor it nearby with water.
“And make absolutely sure the fire is out completely when you’re done,” he said.
Cox Media Group
