Critical fire weather conditions warning from the National Weather Service

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for dry thunderstorms and high winds, which could cause fires to spread out of control.

Thurston County is already under a burn ban that became effective last Saturday, July 13.

Scattered lightning, gusty wind, and dry conditions contribute to this Red Flag Warning.

The most affected area is south of Yelm, in Thurston County is Fire Zone 659 West Slopes in the areas that are generally above 1500 feet.  Much of the rest of the state is under a Red Flag Warning. 

Other impacts:

“Thunderstorms can also bring sudden sharp wind shifts on existing fires, causing rapid changes in a fire's rate of spread and direction of spread.”

“Thunderstorm outflow winds can be a threat for several hours following the start of a new lightning-caused fire. If a fire were to begin, air quality may diminish in the surrounding area.”

NWS defines a Red Flag Warning as: “critical fire weather conditions are either imminent or occurring now. Any fires that develop will likely spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”