Wind Gusts are Factor in Critical Fire Danger
By Loni Rahm
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the Lake Chelan, Entiat and Wenatchee Valleys – indicating the potential for critical fire weather from noon through 8 p.m. today.
I spoke with Lt. Evan Woods at the Chelan Fire Department about conditions that contribute to the red flag designation. He told me there are three primary factors:
- Air Temperature
- Fuel Moisture
- Wind & Relative Humidity
According to Lt. Woods, a cold front last night drove the thunder and lightning storm that blew through North Central Washington, which generated bursts of outflow winds. As a result, there were power outages reported in several spots, predominantly from arcing wires and fallen trees.
Pictured left to right: Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Asher and Lt. Evan Woods, Chelan Fire & Rescue
Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Asher commutes from Entiat and snapped a picture of his neighbor’s tree (below) which succumbed to the wind early this morning.
Lt. Woods indicated this red flag warning comes several weeks earlier than our average fire season, and could be a precursor to a significant fire year.
Both firefighters urged extreme caution, and a heightened awareness of activities that could lead to fire danger – including vehicle exhaust pipes, cigarettes and any open flame including campfires and BBQ’s.
“If you see smoke or flames, call 911 immediately,” said Woods. “Don’t assume someone else has already reported it.”
