Spokane Issues Fire Weather Watch as Hot, Dry, and Unstable Conditions Loom

SPOKANE, Wash. — Fire officials are sounding the alarm across Eastern Washington as the region braces for a surge of hot, dry, and unstable weather on Wednesday, conditions that significantly increase the risk of wildfires.

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Fire Weather Zone 696, which includes parts of the East Washington Central Cascades and Kittitas County. The alert will remain in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.

Dangerous Fire Conditions Ahead

Forecasters expect temperatures to rise into the upper 80s and low 90s, while humidity levels may plummet to as low as 20 percent. These dry conditions, paired with erratic gusty winds and isolated dry thunderstorms, create an ideal environment for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.

“These types of storms can produce lightning with little to no rainfall,” said a spokesperson from the Spokane NWS office. “That’s particularly dangerous in these parched areas where vegetation is dry and ready to burn.”

High-Risk Zones and Travel Impacts

The highest risk areas include eastern slopes of the Cascades, where fire crews are already on heightened alert. Travelers using I-90 and other mountain highways should be cautious, as visibility could be reduced and emergency access may be limited in the event of sudden fire activity.

Officials urge residents and visitors to:

Avoid any outdoor burning
Properly secure trailer chains and equipment to prevent sparks
Keep emergency alerts active on phones and radios

Be Prepared to Act Quickly

Authorities recommend having a go-bag ready, keeping devices fully charged, and monitoring local alerts in case evacuation orders are issued. Residents in fire-prone zones should review evacuation routes and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

“If a fire starts in these conditions, it can move quickly and unpredictably,” fire officials warned. “Preparation is key.”

Possible Red Flag Warning

If current conditions continue to deteriorate, the Fire Weather Watch could be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning, indicating imminent fire danger and requiring extreme caution.

Stay Informed

For real-time updates, monitor:

National Weather Service Spokane alerts
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Local emergency management agencies

As Washington enters another stretch of dangerous summer weather, officials stress that awareness and preparation can make all the difference. Stay alert, stay safe, and be ready to act.