Oregon braces for rare PDS Red Flag wind event fueling explosive wildfire risk

The National Weather Service is warning of extreme fire weather across eastern Oregon and Washington east of the Cascades this Saturday, including a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning with heat, very low humidity, and gusts 50 mph or higher. NWCC says these conditions could cause rapid fire growth and spotting, complicating containment as crews push to hold large fires like the Rowe Creek Complex; Oregon reports about 1.8 million acres burned with roughly 30 large uncontained fires and more than 12,000 personnel on the line. Officials stress prevention of new fires, and utilities are adjusting operations amid the heightened risk. The season remains on pace to rival record levels, with two months left in fire season.