VANCOUVER, WA (KPTV) -
A Red Flag Warning is now in effect for all of western Oregon and southwest Washington due to high winds and dry conditions creating excessive fire danger.
On Wednesday, Portland and Clark County fire officials issued a ban on all outdoor burning including recreational campfires and outdoor fireplaces.
Clark County Fire Battalion Chief Tim Dawdy can't believe the conditions: 21 percent humidity, only one day of measurable rainfall in two and a half months and now strong winds.
"The only way you have catastrophic fires west of the Cascades is having prolonged drying and an east wind component and all of those pieces have come together," said Dawdy.
The burn ban is in effect until further notice and the Red Flag Warning is active through Thursday, at least.
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