The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 5:37 p.m. on Friday for elevated fire weather conditions until 11 p.m. for East Portland Metro, West Columbia River Gorge of Oregon above 500 ft, West Columbia River Gorge I-84 Corridor and Central Columbia River Gorge I-84 Corridor.
"Breezy easterly winds are expected through Friday evening for the eastern Portland/Vancouver metro and through Friday night for the Columbia River Gorge and adjacent Cascade ridgetops. Winds will be strongest on exposed ridgetops where wind gusts will most likely peak between 25-35 mph. Elsewhere, expect wind gusts between 15-20 mph, except up to 30 mph in the western Columbia River Gorge. The breezy east winds will occur simultaneously with low relative humidity values of 20-30% or less, resulting in elevated fire weather conditions. Due to recent rains in the area, larger fuels (such as trees and shrubs) are not dry enough to cause rapid fire spread, but the hot weather will allow fine fuels (such as grasses) to dry out quickly, allowing for potential rapid spread. Use extra caution with potential ignition sources, especially in grassy areas. Outdoor burning is not recommended," adds the weather service.