East Clark County fire officials are warning that weather conditions are ripe for “extreme fire behavior” this afternoon and are urging residents to use extreme caution when discharging fireworks.
“Aerial devices, in particular, can behave unpredictably in the forecast high winds of up to 35 mph,” officials from the Camas-Washougal Fire Department and East County Fire and Rescue said in an announcement late this morning. “A small vegetation fire can quickly grow out of control before fire department crews can arrive.”
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for areas in the Western Columbia River Gorge, warning of extreme fire weather conditions from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. Areas of east Clark County are also included in the red flag warning.
The statement asked that people discharging fireworks have a garden hose or other extinguishing agent available and be certain to discharge fireworks only according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Fire department staff will be on patrol throughout the evening to ensure safety, the statement said. Citations may be issued for unsafe or illegal discharge of fireworks.
