National Weather Service Extends Fire Weather Watch for Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon
The Fire Weather Watch on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, now runs longer than first issued and will remain active until 10:00 p.m.
4 reports on this incident · first at Aug 17, 2026, 1:52 a.m. ET
Hazard products are revised and cancelled as conditions change. Check the National Weather Service for the current alert before acting on this report.
Earlier reports
Aug 17, 2026, 2:00 a.m. ET
National Weather Service Issues Fire Weather Watch for Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon
Official records from the National Weather Service Pendleton OR state that a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for 1 zone in the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon. The watch begins at 12:00 PM on August 18, 2026, and expires at 10:00 PM the same day.
The official document cites breezy westerly winds and low relative humidity. According to the record, any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly, and outdoor burning is not recommended.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Official records advise residents to listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
Aug 17, 2026, 1:54 a.m. ET
NWS Warns Fires Will Spread Quickly in Lower Columbia Basin Watch
Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly, and outdoor burning is not recommended, according to official records from the National Weather Service Pendleton OR. The statement addresses 1 zone in the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon. Official records show the Fire Weather Watch starts at 12:00 PM on August 18, 2026, and expires at 10:00 PM on August 18, 2026. The watch was issued for breezy westerly winds and low relative humidity. According to the record, a Fire Weather Watch means critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur, and residents are advised to listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
Aug 17, 2026, 1:52 a.m. ETFirst report
NWS Issues Fire Weather Watch for Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon
The National Weather Service in Pendleton, Oregon, has issued a Fire Weather Watch for one zone covering the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon. The watch is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM on August 18, 2026, and expire at 10:00 PM that evening. The situation remains developing.
According to official National Weather Service records, the watch was triggered by forecast breezy westerly winds and low relative humidity. Official documentation states that any fire that develops under these conditions will catch and spread quickly, and outdoor burning is not recommended.
National Weather Service records note that a Fire Weather Watch indicates critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. The agency advises listening for subsequent forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
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Revision history
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 06:04current
First published.
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 05:54current
First published.
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 05:52current
First published.
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 06:00current
First published.
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