From Brendan Cowan
Director, San Juan County Department of Emergency Management
While fortunately the risk of wildfire is far less in the islands than much of the rest of Washington, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for Saturday for Western WA, including the San Juans. This warning indicates the potential for wildfire starts due to the combination of the recent warm, dry weather, and the possibility of lightning in the forecast for Saturday afternoon.
Islanders are urged to keep their eyes open and if a thunderstorm does roll through on Saturday afternoon, be alert to the chance of lightning igniting fires.
As is always the case, stay inside during active lightning storms, and call 911 to report fires. Whether lightning is in the forecast or not, conditions in the islands have become much drier over the last couple of weeks, and islanders are encouraged to use caution when having campfires, using machinery, or engaging in any other activity that has the potential to start a fire in our dry grasses and brush.
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