A Short but Welcome Reprieve from Hot, Dry Conditions

 

Fire Updates

While the weekend remained hot and windy, two notable wildfires ignited: the Lake Spokane Fire (located Northwest of Spokane) and the Burdoin Fire (located about 2.5 miles east of White Salmon, WA, along the Columbia River).

View of Burdoin Fire from Oregon. Image courtesy Burdoin Fire Facebook. 

The Lake Spokane Fire is currently burning 1,751 acres and is 1% contained. The Burdoin Fire has rapidly expanded to 10,730 acres since its ignition Friday afternoon, fueled by strong winds gusting through the Columbia River Gorge on Friday and Saturday. It remains at 0% containment.

View of Lake Spokane Fire. Image courtesy of Snohomish FD4.

Air Quality Overview

Air quality is currently GOOD across Western Washington, thanks to a low-pressure system that moved in over the weekend, clearing out much of the hazy air. In Eastern Washington, MODERATE air quality has been reported across the Columbia Basin due to smoke from the Burdoin fire. Areas new the Lake Spokane fire have experienced air quality rising to UNHEALTHY just this afternoon. If you're in areas with elevated smoke levels, it's best to stay indoors, limit strenuous outdoor activity, and keep windows closed to reduce exposure.

Smoke from Burdoin Fire as seen from Columbia River. Image courtesy Burdoin Fire Facebook.

Weather Outlook

Today and tomorrow bring a short reprieve from critical fire weather as cooler temperatures settle in. The low-pressure system will move slowly across the state, bringing cooler conditions, scattered rain showers, and low winds, a welcome break in what has been a hot, active fire season. Starting Wednesday, Eastern Washington will return to very warm and dry conditions. Winds will increase by Thursday, setting up a period of hot, dry, and windy weather, ideal conditions for new wildfire starts. Smoke impacts could increase by the end of the week, so keep an eye on local air quality conditions.

Fire Containment Update

There is some good news: the Hope and Pomas Fires are now producing significantly less smoke, and the Western Pines Fire is 100% contained!

As always, check the air quality map at the top of this page for the most up-to-date conditions and stay smoke-aware.