Heatwave scorching western US ups risk of hazardous fire conditions

A heatwave sweeping the western United States has heightened the danger of wildfire outbreaks, particularly in parts of Oregon and Washington, where low humidity and gusty winds have put authorities on high alert.

The National Weather Service forecasts scorching temperatures into early next week, with readings potentially climbing to between 110°F and 120°F across the Southwest. In the Pacific Northwest, highs reaching into the 90s are expected in the coming days.

Several western states are already grappling with devastating wildfire seasons. In Oregon, roughly 1.8 million acres (about 730,000 hectares) have reportedly burned as of July. A rare “particularly dangerous situation” red flag warning was issued for eastern Oregon on Saturday, with meteorologists predicting wind gusts of 30–40 mph.

Washington state has seen more than 1,000 fires tear through approximately 425,000 acres, marking the most destruction since 2021, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. Officials are also battling 12 large fires that together have scorched over 200,000 acres.

The intense wildfire year comes amid a drought in Washington, driven by an insufficient snowpack. The state relies on snowmelt to replenish its rivers and reservoirs, but this year precipitation has fallen mostly as rain rather than snow, according to the state Department of Ecology.

Given the combination of drought, dangerous heat, and powerful winds, Governor Bob Ferguson has temporarily banned outdoor burning through the end of September. Dave Upthegrove, the state’s commissioner of public lands, warned that firefighters are already stretched thin and that any new spark on the tinder-dry landscape could lead to another devastating blaze.