High Winds, Dry Conditions Prompt Red Flag Warning Across Oregon, Washington
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
PENDLETON – A red flag warning goes into effect Tuesday afternoon for portions of Umatilla and Morrow counties, including Pendleton, Hermiston, and Boardman, all the way west to The Dalles and Maupin where the Grasshopper Fire has already burned nearly 100,000 acres.
It also portions of Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin counties in Washington.
The National Weather Service in Pendleton says high winds combined with dry conditions will create critical fire weather. Winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts reaching 30 mph are forecast.
The warning is set to expire at 10 p.m. Tuesday.
