Red flag warning in place for Colville Reservation for Saturday - high fire danger

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At 11:03 a.m. on Friday, the NWS Spokane WA issued a red flag warning valid for Saturday between noon and 9 p.m. for Colville Reservation.

"A weak wave moving into southern British Columbia Saturday will bring breezy southerly winds and a drying airmass to central Washington. Winds on the Waterville Plateau and the western Columbia Basin will shift northwesterly in the evening. Winds will remain breezy overnight into Sunday with fair to poor humidity recoveries. The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. Affected Area: Colville Reservation (Zone 702). Winds: Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Relative Humidities: 14 to 23%. Impacts: Rapid fire spread is likely with any new or ongoing fires," says the NWS.

This warning is in effect until Saturday at 9 p.m.

What does a red flag warning mean?

A red flag warning signifies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently in effect or will be shortly, as stated by the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.

What are the recommended measures to take during a red flag warning?

During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:

1. Bolster burn barrel safety:

If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

2. Mindful disposal of smoking materials:

Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.

3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it's entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.

4. Never leave fires unattended:

Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots Washington

This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 11:07 AM.