PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Wildfire concerns remain high across Oregon Thursday. A Red Flag Warning will go into effect across northeastern Oregon from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The concern comes as thunderstorms could spark new wildfires.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon could produce frequent lightning, gusty and erratic winds, and limited rainfall. Those are the ideal conditions for new wildfires to start, especially across the hot and dry landscapes of eastern Oregon.
Currently, firefighters are already battling numerous large wildfires across Central Oregon. Two “complex wildfires” in Crook, Wheeler and Wasco counties have produced widespread smoke that has already blanketed much of the central and eastern parts of the state for days. The Rowe Creek Complex and Hay Creek Complex have both burned over 100,000 acres in central Oregon.
Air quality has reached unhealthy to hazardous levels in many communities, and smoke will likely remain a concern throughout the coming days and weekend.
An Air Quality Alert will also remain in place Thursday for unhealthy air quality at times for many counties east of the Cascades…