EVERETT — The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning on Wednesday for the majority of the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains.
The warning, in place through 11 p.m. Wednesday, means critical conditions for wildfires are higher than normal. The weather service issues the warning when temperature, fuel load and wind speeds all reach certain marks. Thunderstorms with “scattered” lightning are forecasted during the warning period.
The warning covers most of eastern Snohomish County. Gusty and “erratic” winds are expected, according to the National Weather Service bulletin.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either imminent or occurring now,” the weather service bulletin continued. “Any fires that develop will likely spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Lighting caused 5,886 wildfires last year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jordyhansen.
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