A fresh Red Flag Warning has the Selkirk Mountains and surrounding countryside on high alert, with the National Weather Service calling for a risky mix of lightning, light rain and gusty winds through late Friday morning. The warning covers the Selkirk Mountains of northeast Washington and nearby portions of the northern and central Idaho panhandle, and is in effect until 11 a.m. PDT on Friday, July 17, 2026. Scattered thunderstorms overnight and into Friday morning are expected to bring lightning, brief showers and erratic outflow winds. Forecasters say rainfall will be light, generally up to a tenth of an inch, which means dry fuels and gusty winds could help lightning strikes ignite new fires or push any existing ones.
As reported by The Olympian, the Spokane office of the National Weather Service posted a Thursday evening update that specifically listed Fire Weather Zones 101, covering the northern and central Idaho panhandle, and 700, covering the Selkirk Mountains, under the Red Flag Warning. The Olympian noted the warning runs through Friday morning and underscored the concern about lightning and strong outflow winds as the main fire weather hazards.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, “gusty outflow winds up to 30 mph will be possible” and “rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch are possible,” with new fire starts from lightning listed as the primary concern. The office issued its urgent fire weather message late Thursday and warned that outflow gusts could remain erratic through Friday morning, a pattern that can shove flames and embers in unpredictable directions.
What the warning means for residents and visitors
According to Spokane County, a burn ban is already in place, and people in the area are urged to avoid any open burning, secure or remove burn barrels and never toss cigarette butts from vehicles. County guidance also stresses using extreme caution with equipment or vehicles that can throw sparks, and notes that local fire districts may layer on additional restrictions if conditions worsen or remain critical.
How to stay ready
Officials urge anyone heading into the backcountry or considering any kind of fire to check official sources first. The National Weather Service and the Washington Department of Natural Resources maintain current advisories, restrictions and burn information. People are also being asked to limit use of machinery that can generate sparks, keep a charged phone and a way to report smoke handy, and call 911 or a local non-emergency fire number if they spot active flames or smoke.
Emergency managers say this is the moment to be extra cautious in the woods, on backroads and around any dry grass or brush, because even a tiny spark can have outsized consequences during a Red Flag event. Updates are expected once the warning is canceled or if conditions shift in a way that changes the fire risk.
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