POCATELLO Due to favorable circumstances for the initiation of new fires, the Pocatello National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for portions of eastern Idaho on Thursday. This occurs when local thunderstorms are expected to arrive on Thursday night.
Due to the thunderstorm, which is predicted to occur with low humidity and perhaps severe gusts, a red flag warning is in effect until 8 p.m. on Thursday.
According to the NWS, Thursday night’s winds could be anywhere from 25 to 45 mph.
According to Senior Meteorologist Dawn Harmon, we do not distinguish between precipitation linked to thunderstorms in East Idaho.
Harmon stated that because many land management authorities are working together, the red flag warning is also based on the actual situation on the ground.
With thunderstorms predicted, fuel conditions in Southeast Idaho are beginning to dry out enough to allow rapid fire growth, according to Chris Burger, a Bureau of Land Management Mitigation and Trespass Specialist.
Burger claimed that the Garden Creek Fire at Fort Hall spread as quickly as it did due to winds and a passing thunderstorm, even though there had been no red flag warning in effect at the time.
RELATED | Officials confirm that the Garden Creek fire has burned over 5,000 acres and is 80% contained.
He said local firefighters can plan for the day and know what can happen with the NWS reports, which are provided twice a day.
According to Harmon, thunderstorms are predicted for tomorrow, but things could change.
The weather right now makes it simple for a fire to start. This Fourth of July weekend, Burger is encouraging folks to keep that in mind while they recreate outside.
It’s not limited to firefighters. “Everyone is affected,” Burger stated.
Anyone who witnesses smoke should report it by dialing (208) 524-7600 or 911 to the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center.
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