High Fire Danger in forseeable future in Gorge; take no risks as humidity plummets
File photo - Rowena Fire 2025
The Dalles, Ore., June 19, 2026 — Residents across the Columbia Gorge and surrounding areas are being urged to use extreme caution this weekend as the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions Saturday, followed by an Extreme Heat Watch early next week.
The Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday for portions of the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington and the Central Mountains of Oregon. Forecasters say a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures will create conditions favorable for rapid fire growth.
West winds are expected to range from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph. Relative humidity could drop as low as 9 percent.
While hot weather often draws the most attention during fire season, fire officials note that temperature alone is not the primary driver of dangerous fire conditions. Low humidity dries grasses, brush and timber fuels, while strong winds can rapidly spread flames and carry embers long distances. Even on days that are not exceptionally hot, the combination of dry air and gusty winds can create extreme fire behavior and significantly increase the risk of fast-moving wildfires.
File photo - Rowena Fire 2025
Under Red Flag conditions, even the smallest human-caused spark can have catastrophic consequences. A shovel striking a rock, a discarded cigarette tossed from a vehicle window, a dragging trailer chain, or a spark emitted from power equipment such as a chainsaw can ignite dry vegetation. Once a fire starts in windy, low-humidity conditions, it can quickly grow beyond initial attack efforts and, under the wrong circumstances, develop into a major wildfire that burns tens of thousands of acres.
The National Weather Service warned that any fire that develops could spread quickly under these conditions and advised against outdoor burning.
"A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior," the agency said in its warning.
The heightened fire danger comes as forecasters are also monitoring a significant warming trend expected to impact the Columbia Gorge beginning Monday.
An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for the Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington, including The Dalles, White Salmon and Arlington, from Monday morning through Tuesday evening.
Temperatures could reach as high as 98 degrees, creating what forecasters describe as a major risk for heat-related illnesses.
The National Weather Service is encouraging residents to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned environments when possible, avoid prolonged sun exposure and check on vulnerable family members, neighbors and pets.
Officials also reminded the public that children and animals should never be left unattended in vehicles, where interior temperatures can become deadly within minutes.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts and fire weather updates as conditions develop throughout the weekend and into next week.
