UPDATE: 4:55 p.m.
Salem officials have issued a complete burn ban effective until 8 a.m. on Monday, July 17.
The city said in a Facebook post Friday afternoon it issued the ban due to forecasted wind patterns dry air, “which will create favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires, posing a threat to life and property. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution regarding potential ignition sources and refrain from outdoor burning until further notice.”
The city will re-evaluate conditions on Monday.
Original story below:
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the Salem area, meaning conditions are prone to rapid and dangerous fire spread.
The warning shortly before 2 p.m. on Friday, July 14, urged residents to take extra caution with potential flammable sources especially in grassy areas.
The fire weather watch is no longer in effect due to the more severe warning. Sign up for Marion Polk Alerts online.
The incoming wind and low relative humidity have created critical fire weather conditions which will be in effect from 2 – 8 p.m. on Saturday in zone 604, in the Salem, Albany and Portland areas, according to the agency’s statement.
No local burn bans are in place, but outdoor burning is not recommended, according to the statement.
The agency’s heat advisory is still in place while Salem is forecasted to see a high of 94 degrees Friday, 97 Saturday, then down to 89 on Sunday according to the The Weather Channel.
The heat is expected to impact the central and southern regions of the Willamette Valley.
Winds are forecasted from the north between 10 and 15 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 miles per hour.
ARCHES will continue to keep its Day Center open for later hours on Friday and Saturday for those needing to stay cool.
The facility at 615 Commercial St. N.E. will be open between 9 a.m and 7 p.m both days. The Day Center normally closes at 4 p.m.
Contact reporter Natalie Sharp: [email protected] or 503-522-6493.
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Natalie Sharp is an Oregon State University student working as a reporter for Salem Reporter in summer 2023. She is part of the Snowden internship program at the University of Oregon's School of Communication and Journalism.
