Weather outlook not favorable for firefighters

The National Weather Service said today that low humidity and wind will create conditions with “the potential for extreme fire growth… especially in the Columbia Basin.” The red flag warning will be in effect until 9 pm. “The combination of strong winds and near critical humidities will elevate the risk for rapid fire growth with any new ignitions or ongoing fires,” the weather service said in a news release. The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said the massive Carlton Complex fire in north central Washington is zero percent contained. It is still exhibiting “extreme fire behavior” and has caused extensive damage to major power lines, according to a news release this morning.