Eastern Washington under critical fire weather warning

Much of Eastern Washington is experiencing critical fire weather conditions Sunday, with gusty winds and low relative humidity, forecasters said.

A red flag warning is in effect through 9 p.m. from Yakima to Spokane and from Chelan to Walla Walla, the National Weather Service said.

West and southwest winds will heighten the potential for rapid spread of new grass and brush fires, and the winds will remain breezy into the overnight hours, the weather service said.

Wind gusts of up to 35 mph and humidity from 12 to 25 percent prompted the warning Sunday. Also, blowing dust is possible between Moses Lake, George and Othello, forecasters said.

“Small fires caused by campfires or fireworks have the potential to grow out of control quickly in this windy and dry environment,” the weather service cautioned.