Hot and dry pattern continues, fire danger increases

Bend, OR (KTVZ).  As we continue with our dry and hot conditions, our fire danger increases significantly. The weekend fires are representative of the quick spreading potential when a fire gets started.  The dry grasses over the high desert continue to be a concern, as always, and this year is no different.

As we push forward into summer, we need to be diligent with respect to our behavior.  A lot of small things can start a big fire, like a tossed cigarette, a spark from a lawn mower hitting a rock, to a hot car sitting over tall grass.  Just be aware of where you are and help each other out.

The weather this week will be hot, except for tomorrow (Tuesday) so this pattern is not going away as usual. The Tuesday high temperature will be near normal, topping out in the middle 80s, but then it is right back to the 90s for the rest of the work week.

The air quality from the two fires has not been impacted all that much at the moment, as winds are transporting the smoke away from the area. But that may change quickly and we will continue to monitor that all week.  Basically, so far so good, but it does change quickly with a wind shift. 

View from the north of the Cram Fire using the Shaniko Alert West camera at noon Monday. Winds are from the west this afternoon (seen on visible satellite) pushing the smoke east at the moment. This footprint and acreage is from around 4 pm Monday.

Please stay safe in the heat.

Don’t forget to download the KTVZ weather app to stay safe and informed.

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