Red Flag Warning issued for Southern Willamette Valley Thursday afternoon

Eugene, OR – A Red Flag Warning has been issued from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 21, for the Southern Willamette Valley, the Eugene Springfield Fire Department announced.

Forecasters expect breezy conditions and low relative humidity, which can cause rapid fire growth and increase the risk that a single spark could ignite a large wildfire. Residents are urged to use caution with anything that could produce sparks, including grills, gas-powered equipment, and other tools.

Eugene Springfield Fire also reminded residents to ensure their go bags are packed with essentials and encouraged people to sign up for emergency notifications through Lane Alerts at lanealerts.com.

The department noted that this information is provided in coordination with the City of Eugene Emergency Management Office and is based on data from the National Weather Service Fire Weather Zones.

Eugene Springfield Fire is currently hiring additional staff to focus on wildfire prevention and preparedness.