Why Seattle area is under a Red Flag Warning
Red flag warning in western WA
We are under a Red Flag Warning on Tuesday as temperatures are expected to be back up into the 80s.
SEATTLE - Most of western Washington is under a Red Flag Warning, signaling high fire danger for the Seattle area as temperatures climb into the 80s and winds increase.
The warning follows two days of brush fires in the area. On Sunday, a brush fire along I-5 spread to four homes in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. On Monday, another brush fire broke out near I-90 in Seattle.
Featured
Where are the fires in WA? Here's a map of the wildfires burning across the state
Here's a look at the current wildfires burning across WA and where they are on the map.
Wind advisory in western WA
According to FOX 13 Meteorologist Claire Anderson, winds are expected to increase across western Washington on Tuesday as high pressure builds over the region, with the strongest gusts likely in the Cascade foothills.
Winds Tuesday will increase from the east as high pressure amplifies over Western Washington.
Why is Seattle under a Red Flag Warning?
The Seattle area is under a Red Flag Warning because gusty winds, warm temperatures, and dry conditions are creating an increased risk of wildfires that could spread quickly.
Fire danger will be increased due to gusty winds, warm temperatures and the potential for fire to spread quickly.
What caused the Seattle brush fires?
According to the Seattle Fire Department, the brush fire on Beacon Hill was likely caused by a spark from a passing vehicle, or potentially by someone tossing a lit cigarette.
Three people were injured, and multiple homes were damaged. Some residents were temporarily displaced due to serious damage, while others returned to houses with only minor exterior damage.
The Beacon Hill fire was one of several recent incidents raising concern among fire officials.
What caused the brush fire on Seattle I-90?
On Monday, another brush fire sparked near 8th Avenue South and the I-90 ramp. Firefighters were able to put it out with no injuries reported. As of Tuesday, the cause of the fire remains unknown.
Spark from car or discarded cigarette likely caused brush fire near I-5 in Seattle
Sunday's three-alarm brush fire along Interstate 5 in Seattle was ruled as accidental, and likely caused by a spark from a vehicle or improperly discarded smoking material, fire officials said.
How to prevent roadside brush fires?
As dry conditions persist across western Washington, the International Association of Fire Chiefs is urging residents to take precautions to prevent wildfires.
Among the key recommendations: ensure that chains or other metal parts on your vehicle are not dragging on the road, as they can create sparks. Drivers are also advised to check tire pressure, as an exposed wheel rim could pose a similar risk.
Officials also remind the public not to discard cigarettes out of car windows. Instead, use an ashtray or designated container to extinguish them safely.
In addition, avoid driving through dry, tall grass. The heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can easily ignite vegetation, quickly turning a small spark into a dangerous blaze.
The Source: Information in this article comes from original weather forecasting by FOX 13 meteorologists Claire Anderson and Ilona McCauley, reporting by FOX 13’s Shawn Chitnis, and statements from the Seattle Fire Department.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE
Pierce County Sheriff talks about controversial social media posts
Waymo robotaxis spotted in Seattle, Bellevue ahead of service launch
Seattle residents call for pause on Capitol Hill crisis care center
DOJ requests Washington's voter registration database
FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket lottery underway: What you need to know
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.