SPOKANE, Wash. – Recent wildfires in Spokane, including the Gray and Oregon Road fires, have caused widespread concern about the conditions that led to such destructive blazes. These fires were fueled by what is being described as a “perfect storm” of weather conditions.
On August 12, Spokane experienced a significant heat wave with temperatures climbing into the 90s and even triple digits.
Combined with little to no moisture, high wind speeds and historically low humidity levels, the area was primed for wildfires.
Andrew Brown, meteorologist in charge for the National Weather Service (NWS) in Spokane, explained the situation.
“Around the 12th of August, we had this significant heat wave…. It was the perfect storm of conditions that came together, that if there was going to be a spark, it was going to spread quickly into a major wildfire,” said Brown.
This “perfect storm” meant that the fires were not a matter of if, but when and where they would start. On August 17, the conditions were such that any initial spark would quickly evolve into a wildfire.
“The day before, August 17th was another critical fire-weather day where all the conditions were coming together and we were holding our breath,” Brown noted.
The next day, Brown said conditions were favorable for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior.
Sustained winds at 36 miles per hour, with gusts over 40 miles per hour, created the ideal environment for the initial spark to spread.
The answer to whether these conditions are the new normal is not straightforward. According to Brown, these weather setups have occurred for decades in the Inland Northwest. However, what remains crucial is vigilance and preparedness.
Paying attention to weather updates, understanding burn bans, and knowing where to get warnings and watches are essential. Brown advises having a to-go bag ready and an exit plan for your family to stay safe.
