Red Flag Warning issued in western Washington July 4-5
The clock includes the western slopes of the central Cascades as well as the Black Hills and the Southwest Inner Lowlands.
SEATTLE — A Red flag warning was issued for parts of western Washington starting July 4 through July 5, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced Monday night.
The NWS first issued a Fire Weather Warning for the western slopes of the central Cascades, along with the Black Hills and the Inner Southwest Lowlands. That was upgraded to a Red Flag Warning due to expected conditions.
Red Flag Warning means serious fire conditions are imminent or imminent. According to the NWS, any fire that develops will “have the potential to spread rapidly”.
See the map below from the NWS for where the Warning was issued.
Red flag warning will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. Tuesday until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday
Hot and dry conditions around western Washington are expected to last through Tuesday and Wednesday as many people are celebrating Independence Day.
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According to the Weather Service, fine fuels, such as roadside grass, can be especially flammable.
Reid Wolcott, the meteorologist who coordinates the warnings with the NWS, warned of the dangers of wildfires over the next few days.
“We are usually cool and wet around the Fourth of July. Sometimes we have extreme heat – we all remember what happened in 2021 – we’re not at either end of that spectrum so everyone has to make smart decisions for themselves,” Wolcott said. speak.
‘Don’t be a spark’
“We’re seeing the conditions we’re used to in August. So it’s going to be a long, hot, dry and windy summer,” said Jessa Lewis, director of communications for the Department of Natural Resources. nature said.
That’s why DNR is transitioning to tier three readiness, meaning the majority of their teams are ready to respond. The agency is urging people to use alternatives to private fireworks.
Lewis said: “Please don’t be the one to spark this holiday weekend.
Fire crews are asking the public to leave fireworks to professionals this week.
“There are so many great public performances to get out and enjoy,” said Battalion Commander Kinnee.
The DNR says not only worry about fireworks to help prevent fires, but also make sure the leash doesn’t drag the vehicle, is safe at barbecues or anything that could create a spark.
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