The National Weather Service is forecasting very dry, unstable air moving into the region which caused them to issue a Red Flag warning for the Portland Metro Area from Thursday through Friday. This warning has been issued because of the high temperatures, low humidity (15-25%), and east wind conditions. These are unusual conditions for the area, only averaging four days a year in the metro region. A link to the alert can be found at:  Red Flag Warning.

As a result of the Red Flag conditions, PF&R has brought in additional staff and mobilized four brush units during the peak threat hours of 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday and Friday of this week. Each Brush Unit will be staffed with two members of Portland Fire & Rescue's Wildland Team.

Resources have been shifted to areas where PF&R chief officers believe the highest potential exists for wildland fires in Portland. This plan enables PF&R to be prepared for increased danger due to wildland fires, while still providing our regular complement of fire and emergency medical services throughout the city.

As home and business owners, you can take special precautions to protect your homes and properties. One way to do this is to create a defensible space around your home by modifying, reducing, or clearing potential wildfire fuel materials or vegetation to create a barrier that will slow the spread of wildfire toward your home. A defensible space also allows room for firefighters to fight the fire safely.

Three critical steps in creating a defensible space include:

1. Using fire resistant building materials

2. Landscaping with fire resistant plants

3. Reducing combustible and flammable materials or fuels, such as invasive trees and shrubs, plant trimmings, firewood, fiberglass boats, and recreational vehicles around the home

You can find more information about protecting your property from wildfire at:

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/fire/55225