Red Flag Warning Issued for Greater Medford Area

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM TO 8 PM FRIDAY FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND AND LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 616, 620, 621, 622, AND 623.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND AND LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 616, 620, 621, 622, AND 623.

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 4 PM to 8 PM Friday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening.

IMPACTS…Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
AFFECTED AREA…Fire weather zones 616…620…621…622 & 623.
WIND…Northwest wind increasing to 8-14 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph. Wind strongest over the Umpqua Divide, across the Cascades and Siskiyous, and Ashland.
HUMIDITY…8 to 15 percent.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Avoid tossing burning cigarettes on the ground, parking hot vehicles on dry vegetation, and using equipment that can cause sparks. Follow all fire restrictions. Find links to restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Gather your fire evacuation kit now. Collect essentials you don’t want to lose and prioritize your checklist.
Visit ready.gov/kit for more information. Familiarize yourself with your evacuation plan. Where will you go? How will you get there? Who will you call to let others know your are safe? Visit ready.gov/wildfires for more information.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may become life threatening. Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire threatens. If you have not packed your evacuation kit yet, now is the time to do so. This includes items like important documents and essentials you cannot live without.
Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank. Visit ready.gov/kit for more information. Plan now to avoid using equipment that could cause sparks during the period when critical weather conditions are possible.
Visit weather.gov/medford/wildfire for links to fire restrictions in your area. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible during the valid watch time.
These conditions could promote the rapid spread of wildfires which could become life- threatening.