The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning that reaches into southeastern Lane County — in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 21 — in response to the possibility of abundant lightning on dry fuels. 

The shaded portion of an image from the National Weather Service as of Tuesday, July 21, shows the extent of the red flag warning. Credit: National Weather Service

The weather service initially issued a fire weather watch Monday and elevated it Tuesday to a red flag warning, which is issued when weather conditions could result in the rapid spread of fire that becomes life-threatening.

Wednesday’s thunderstorms are expected to include some rain, but dry lightning also is possible, with isolated wind gusts up to 45 mph, the warning said Tuesday.

Last week, more than 750 lightning strikes sparked 17 fires in eastern Lane County in the Willamette National Forest.

Ashli Blow brings 12 years of experience in journalism and science writing, focusing on the intersection of issues that impact everyone connected to the land — whether private or public, developed or forested.