Fire danger remains high today with critical conditions

Bend, OR (KTVZ) -

Conditions are critical this afternoon–rapid fire growth and erratic fire behavior is likely. A Red Flag Warning is active for the majority of Central Oregon and areas further north until tonight.

Plan for afternoon highs in the mid 80s to low 90s under sunny skies. Humidity will be in the teens and could near single digits, which is a dangerous situation. Winds this afternoon will gust between 25-30mph from the west-northwest. Conditions today will provide major challenges to firefighters once again.

The Cram Fire is nearing “megafire” status which is most often defined by a fire that burns 100,000 acres or more, whether or not that acreage is grass and brush or dense forestry.

The winds have continuously changed directions which has made fighting the Cram Fire and setting up containment lines tricky. The change in direction today will push the fire south and east.

However, air quality has seen major improvements. Good and moderate air quality expected into the weekend.

Sunny and warm will be the weekend forecast. Temperatures will drop back into the 80s starting Saturday and we’ll keep the 80s for most of next week. There are a few opportunities to see thunderstorms next week, which will bring concern for new fire starts.

Have a happy Friday and be safe this weekend. Continue to practice fire safety.



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