SEATTLE — A Red Flag Warning was issued by the National Weather Service for the west slopes of the north and central Cascade Mountains through Friday night due to hot and dry conditions. The warning expired at 11 p.m.
The warning covered areas generally above 1,500 feet of elevation through.
A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either imminent or happening now, according to the National Weather Service. In the Cascades Friday, there was potential for a dry and unstable air mass and warm temperatures to contribute to active fire behavior. Existing fires can grow significantly under these conditions, and fires that develop could spread quickly.
Temperatures were forecasted to be in the mid to upper 80s Friday, with humidity as low as 20%.
The Haines level, which indicates the potential for large wildfires to experience extreme fire behavior, was rated at six Friday, which is the highest measure on the scale, according to the National Weather Service.
When a Red Flag Warning is issued, outdoor burning is not recommended.
There are several wildfires burning in the Cascades as of Friday morning. The White River and Irving Peak Fires, which are located about 15 miles northwest of Plain, have burned 3,575 acres and are 1% contained.
Three smaller fires – the Suiattle River Fire, Boulder Lake Fire and Lake Toketie – are burning near the Glacier Peak Wilderness and have caused smoky conditions and some road closures in the area, according to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. These fires have burned a total of 185 acres as of Thursday.
