Red Flag Warning in Effect for Greater Medford Area Until 8 PM

Medford, Oregon- The National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for fire weather zones 285, 624, and 625, effective until 8:00 PM PDT this evening. This warning indicates a combination of strong winds and low relative humidity that could potentially lead to rapid fire growth in the region.

Key Details: Affected Areas: The warning covers most of fire zone 622, which includes Medford, White City, Shady Cove, Butte Falls, and Ruch. • Wind Conditions: Winds from the northwest are expected to range from 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph. • Humidity Levels: Afternoon humidity values are projected to drop between 10% and 15%, creating critically dry conditions conducive to fire spread.

Fire Risk and Safety

The combination of strong winds and extremely low humidity presents a significant fire hazard, increasing the potential for the rapid spread of both new and existing fires. These conditions do not necessarily indicate that a fire is currently burning, but the NWS warns that weather patterns are favorable for fire ignition and spread.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow fire restrictions and ensure they are signed up for their county’s emergency alert system. Familiarity with personal and community emergency plans is also encouraged. For additional safety measures and fire prevention resources, individuals are advised to visit the NWS Medford webpage or ready.gov/plan.

Preparedness Recommendations:• Avoid any activities that could generate sparks. • Stay informed through multiple channels, including emergency alerts and local authorities. • Review and rehearse evacuation plans.