Red flag warning issued for Spokane County, Eastern Washington for Friday, Saturday

Less than a week after devastating fires destroyed hundreds of homes in Spokane County, the National Weather Service has again issued a red flag warning for much of Eastern Washington over strong wind gusts and dry conditions forecast for the region.

Amid the weather warnings, firefighters in Spokane are preparing for the possibility of new fires this weekend, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said. Hot spots in areas that burned last weekend could also reignite, Nowels said.

“There was a 100% chance that a spark from anything will start a fire,” Nowels said on Thursday.

The warning is effective 11 a.m. Friday through 11 p.m. Saturday. The weather service warned that “critical fire conditions” are possible across the Cascade mountains, Palouse, Columbia Basin and Blue Mountains. Winds are projected to be in the 10 to 20 mph range, with gusts up to 30 mph. Humidity will range from 8% to 18% .

This past Saturday, the Spokane Complex fires started under similar – but more severe – weather conditions, which prompted the National Weather Service to issue the area’s first “particularly dangerous” weather warning, on top of the typical red flag.

The National Weather Service recommends avoiding outdoor activities that could spark a fire, including lighting fireworks, starting a campfire, dragging trailer chains, driving over dry grass, target shooting and yard work.

Temperatures through the weekend are forecast to be in the high 80s and low 90s.

An air quality alert has also been issued for Spokane County and much of Eastern Washington because of the lingering wildfire smoke. At 10:40 a.m. Thursday, Spokane had an air quality index of 153, which is considered unhealthy.

According to the National Weather Service, air quality in Spokane could reach very unhealthy levels.

“When air quality is very unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner,” the NWS said in its update. “Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed.”

Emily White, a reporter for The Spokesman-Review, contributed to this report.