High fire danger continues this week with dry and very warm conditions

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) –Wildfire activity is dominating the forecast presentation this week as several fires continue to grow. The weather over the weekend allowed significant growth as the west and northwest winds fanned the flames across Central Oregon. The Bench Fire in Jefferson County merged with the Beachcomb fire to register over 40k acres and is danger close to Warm Springs. The Brewer, Green Mountain and Crosswhite (formerly the Box Springs) fires are merging today after growing to over 60k acres this weekend. The Shingle Fire in the eastern Ochocos is now 60k acres and burning deep timber and underbrush. Very smoky fires in the mountains.

The Akawa, Coyote and Henry Fires are giving out some good news with active suppression leading to higher containment percentages. Not out, not contained, but gaining ground.

The weather this week will be dry and warm through Wednesday with highs in the upper 80s and light and variable winds. The upper levels of the atmosphere are transporting the smoke to the north and east again today, as high pressure to the east and a low in the Gulf of Alaska are providing the Southwestern influence.

The large ridge of high pressure in the middle of the country will still dominate the Pacific Northwest with warm and dry conditions. The high is blocking any movement of moisture that attempts to arrive from the west. The winds are not expected to be very robust this week, but any wind is bad wind to a fire fighter. Changing winds is also an enemy of the fire fighters.

The fires will continue to impact the region with smoke and travel restrictions and those who live in areas that need to evacuate, you need to do as instructed so you don’t inhibit fire fighting efforts.

Do not fly drones in the area, it is illegal when a fire is being suppressed and it will halt all areal operations until the private drone is out of the area.

Highs will hit the 90s starting Thursday with no chance of any measurable precipitation through the weekend.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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