CRITICAL FIRE RISK CONTINUES THROUGH LABOR DAY

September 1, 2001 — Strong winds and the return of drier conditions in parts of the United States over the holiday weekend will continue to create critical fire weather conditions, according to NOAA's National Weather Service. Holiday recreation activities will increase the chances for wildfires as well. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of wildfires in California taken August 31, 2001.)

A weather front moving through the Pacific Northwest on Saturday will bring gusty winds of 20 to 30 mph and cooler temperatures to portions of the northern Rockies, especially northern Idaho and western Montana, said Ryan Jewell, forecast meteorologist with NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla.

"These winds could be a problem for firefighters battling existing fires," Jewell said. "Also, a few dry thunderstorms could form just ahead of the front along the Idaho, Montana and Wyoming borders, increasing the risk of lightning sparked wildfires."

Later in the weekend, once the front has moved through, the westerly breezes should calm down and temperatures should remain relatively cool from Washington eastward into Montana, he said.

"Further south, an upper-level high pressure ridge will continue to build over the Four Corners region, creating progressively drier conditions across the Intermountain West through Monday," Jewell said. In the Rockies, a few isolated daytime thunderstorms are expected Sunday and Monday.

In addition, increased recreational activities often result in an increase in human-caused wildfires, said Larry Van Bussum, NWS staff meteorologist to the National Interagency Fire Center.

"One of the leading causes of human-caused wildfires are campfires," he explained. "We urge visitors to the public lands to check local conditions and restrictions that may alter plans. If campfires are allowed, keep them small and make sure they are cool to the touch before leaving the area."

National Weather Service meteorologists will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.

Relevant Web Sites
Updated forecast information is available on the home pages of local National Weather Service offices. These pages are organized by geographic regions of the country.

NOAA's Fire Weather Information Center

For additional information on the NOAA's Fire Weather Program, please visit NOAA's National Fire Forecasts, Offices and Outlooks, Boise, Idaho.

NOAA's Western U.S. Wildfires Summary — Includes maps

Latest NOAA Satellite Images of Fires

NOAA's NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECASTERS PROVIDE CRITICAL SUPPORT TO WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT

All About Wild Fires

NOAA's Fire Weather Program (Describes wild fire weather terms)

Fire Weather Forecasts from NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma

National Interagency Fire Center — Includes latest news and glossary of wildfire terms

Media Contact:
Keli Tarp, NOAA's Storm Prediction Center, (405) 366-0451

 

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