Red Flag Warnings issued as heat and wind increase Fire Danger in Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties

WENATCHEE – The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for eastern Chelan County and much of Douglas County from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10, citing critical fire weather conditions fueled by high temperatures, gusty winds, and low relative humidity.

According to the Weather Forecast Office in Spokane, west to northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected during the warning period. Relative humidity levels are forecast to drop as low as 15 to 25 percent, significantly increasing the potential for rapid fire spread, particularly in areas with dry grasses and brush.

“These are dangerous fire conditions,” the agency stated in its briefing. “Any new fires that start will have the potential to spread quickly.”

The warning coincides with an Extreme Heat Warning in the Wenatchee area and a Heat Advisory covering a broader portion of central Washington. Temperatures are forecast to reach 101°F in Wenatchee and 104°F in Chelan on Monday, placing additional stress on both people and infrastructure.

A Moderate to Major HeatRisk is in effect through Tuesday, which the NWS says can impact anyone without effective cooling or hydration, including outdoor workers and those in heat-sensitive industries. The agency urges residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and use air conditioning if available.

Fire officials urge extreme caution with any ignition sources. Activities such as using fireworks, starting campfires, dragging trailer chains, driving over dry grass, target shooting, and yard work are discouraged during the warning window.

Eastern portions of Okanogan County are also under heightened alert, with warm, dry, and breezy conditions forecast, although no formal Red Flag Warning has been issued for that region as of Sunday.

The National Weather Service emphasized continued vigilance through Wednesday, when another push of stronger winds is expected to increase fire danger across much of the Inland Northwest.

For updates on conditions and safety information, visit www.weather.gov/spokane.