August 5, 2026 4:00 a.m. 

The National Weather Service has expanded the area for a Red Flag Warning for much of southern Oregon, which is in effect on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Forecasters said any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

The Warning area includes the Umpqua Basin, Umpqua National Forest, western Rogue Basin including the Illinois Valley, eastern Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains, and surrounding areas.

This applies to the communities of Roseburg, Toketee Falls, Elkton, and Tiller, as well as Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Cave Junction and Shady Cove.

Northwest to west winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 miles per hour are expected. Minimum humidity of 8 to 15 percent.

Increasingly unstable conditions could further increase fire activity.

Residents should follow all fire restrictions and sign up for emergency information from their county.

A Red Flag Warning is issued when the NWS identifies weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life threatening.