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Malheur National Forest

Red Flag Warning issued July 20 at 7:49PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

7:49 PM — July 21st, 3:00 PM

...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph

Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 7:40PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

7:40 PM — July 23rd, 9:00 AM

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ

Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

6:03 PM — July 22nd, 9:00 AM

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ

Overview

Malheur National Forest is a 1.7 million acre forest in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, encompassing elevations from 4,000 to 9,038 feet at Strawberry Mountain. The forest is currently open with moderate fire restrictions in the south zone and low restrictions in the north zone. Recent prescribed pile burning operations have been ongoing as of December 2024. The forest enforces a standard 14-day camping limit within any 30-day period. Current conditions include fall/winter weather patterns typical for high desert terrain. The forest features two designated wilderness areas (88,350 acres total), Wild and Scenic River stretches on the Malheur River system, and serves as headwaters for the undammed John Day River. Four historic guard stations and one fire lookout are available for rental. Christmas tree permits were recently made available. Industrial fire prevention levels (IFPLs) remain in effect with varying restrictions by zone. For backcountry travelers, note that winter access can be limited by snow at higher elevations, though lower sage and juniper areas remain accessible year-round.

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