Red flag warning, fire weather watch issued for Southern Oregon as winds pick up

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A red flag warning has been issued for southeast Klamath County, southwest Lake County and into parts of Northern California Tuesday as low humidity and 35-mph winds will make for dangerous wildfire conditions in the area.

The red flag warning will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m. The National Weather Service has also issued a fire weather watch for the Fremont-Winema and Modoc National Forests. Fifteen to 25-mph winds will blow in from the southwest Tuesday afternoon and evening with gusts up to 35 mph. On Wednesday, 20 to 30-mph winds are possible with gusts up to 40 mph.

“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly,” the NWS stated Tuesday. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Kelley Bayern says that a single spark can trigger a wildfire.

“Fire season is here, and it is time to be extra vigilant in the outdoors,” Bayern said. “This goes for those adventuring into the woods and dry grassy areas all across the state. Any spark can start a fire that spreads rapidly in these hot, dry, and windy conditions.”