Gusty winds, dry conditions raise fire concerns ahead of Fourth of July in Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — Dry conditions, gusty winds and rising temperatures are expected to increase wildfire danger across Grant and Adams counties over the Fourth of July weekend, prompting warnings from forecasters and local officials for residents to use extreme caution with fireworks and other potential ignition sources. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for parts of Central Washington from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening. Meteorologists say a combination of low humidity and strong winds could allow any fire to spread rapidly. 

“We're seeing southwest winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 35 miles an hour,” said Antoinette Serrano, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane. “When combined with relative humidities in the high teens to around 20%, that meets critical fire weather conditions.” 

According to Serrano, the greatest concern is the potential for rapid fire growth if a blaze ignites during the holiday weekend. 

“The main impacts are rapid fire spread, being likely, with any new or ongoing fires,” she said. 

Forecasters expect winds to shift throughout the weekend. According to the Fire Weather Watch, winds will begin from the south and southwest before turning westerly Saturday evening. Winds are expected to shift to the north Saturday night and remain gusty into Sunday morning. 

The warning comes as fire danger is already elevated across the region. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has classified fire risk in Grant County as very high, and both Grant and Adams counties are currently under burn bans. 

Serrano encouraged residents to follow local burn restrictions and be mindful of activities that could create sparks. 

“Really make sure that you're putting fireworks out completely,” she said. “Don't let chains drag on your vehicle and follow any burn bans your county might have.” 

In addition to elevated fire danger, temperatures are expected to climb through the holiday weekend and into next week. Most of Grant and Adams counties are expected to experience a minor heat risk through the weekend, with moderate heat risk developing by Monday across much of the Columbia Basin, Serrano said.  

While temperatures are not expected to reach extreme levels, Serrano said vulnerable populations should take precautions. 

“Just make sure that people stay hydrated and cool,” she said. “Especially if you are sensitive to heat-related illnesses.” 

Forecasters said the primary weather concerns for the Fourth of July remain wind, low humidity and the resulting wildfire threat.  

Residents planning outdoor celebrations are urged to monitor local conditions, comply with burn bans and exercise caution with any activity capable of starting a fire.