More extreme wildfire weather category added for Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The National Weather Service recently added a more extreme wildfire warning level for the Medford and Portland forecast office zones as wildfire season approaches.

The new designation is called a “particularly dangerous situation red flag warning.” National Weather Service officials told KOIN 6 News that particularly dangerous situation red flag warnings will help to warn officials of heightened danger during the worst wildfire conditions.

The new wildfire warning level was previously instituted in California and copies the wording already used by the NWS for “particularly dangerous tornado watches and warnings.” If a particularly dangerous situation red flag warning alert is issued, people are asked to use the highest level of caution.

“This year, we will begin issuing PDS red flag warnings for Oregon and California as necessary,” the NWS said. “PDS red flag warnings are expected to be rare, which is why we haven't actually issued any yet. If we do issue it, please take heed. Have multiple ways of receiving information and listen to emergency managers for important notices. Review your fire plan and gather your kit. Do not do anything that can release a spark or cause a fire.”

While red flag warnings already warn people of hazardous wildfire conditions, KOIN 6 Meteorologist Kelley Bayern said that a new designation for the most extreme conditions is helpful.

“Wildfires have become a common occurrence in the dry months across the Pacific Northwest and California,” Bayern said. “I think tweaking the messaging so the general public can better and more quickly identify threats within their local forestlands is of extreme importance.”
Conditions for PDS red flag warnings include extremely strong winds and very low humidity levels. The NWS said that the conditions observed during the 2020 Labor Day Fires are an appropriate example of when a PDS red flag warning would be issued.