Millions warned to brace for blackouts as extreme wildfire threat sweeps across nine states: 'Partic

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Millions warned to brace for blackouts as extreme wildfire threat sweeps across nine states: 'Particularly dangerous situation'

Daily Mail
By STACY LIBERATORE
26 June 2026

Millions of Americans have been warned to prepare for possible power outages as a sprawling outbreak of extreme fire weather threatens nine states this weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) offices from Arizona to Alaska have issued Red Flag Warnings, citing a volatile combination of powerful winds, bone-dry air and tinderbox conditions that could allow any spark to explode into a fast-moving wildfire.

The warnings affect parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Alaska.

In some areas, forecasters warned that gusts could reach 55mph while humidity levels plunge as low as five percent.

Officials said the conditions are so severe that parts of Utah have been placed under a rare 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' designation, with residents urged to prepare emergency kits and know their evacuation routes.

The dangerous fire weather outbreak begins Friday and intensifies over the weekend, with most Red Flag Warnings taking effect between Friday morning and Saturday morning and lasting through Sunday evening in some areas.

Forecasters cautioned that downed power lines could ignite new fires and trigger blackouts. Residents are being urged to avoid outdoor burning, refrain from using equipment that could create sparks and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.

Officials said the threat to life and property is significant and cautioned that safe and timely evacuations may not be possible if a wildfire rapidly approaches.

(more)
https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/article-15933515/wildfire-blackouts-warning-arizona-california-utah.html

[Cyber Liberty]

FWIW, I have a Red Flag warning here for the next 24-36 hours.

[mountaineer]

Local weather forecasters have been warning us about the smoke coming into our area from Canadian wildfires. This seems to happen several times a year, every year. I think they need more firefighters in Canuckistan, or something.

Viral News NYC
@ViralNewsNYC
🚨 NYC ALERT: With wildfire smoke affecting air quality, NYC libraries are giving out free N95 masks. Because apparently wearing a tight-fitting N95 in 103° heat is now part of the summer experience. Choose between breathing smoky air or sweating through a mask.
10:16 AM · Jul 15, 2026

[Fishrrman]

Here in the southwest corner of New England, it's 4pm and almost dark enough to need the lights on inside. The air outside is yellow...

[mountaineer]

You can blame Canadian PM Carney and Trudeau for years of terrible wildfire management

https://twitter.com/GrrrGraphics/status/2077510098461798563

[roamer_1]

You can blame Canadian PM Carney and Trudeau for years of terrible wildfire management

And it ain't no dang different in the US - At least not out here in the West since logging went away... 

[Smokin Joe]

And it ain't no dang different in the US - At least not out here in the West since logging went away... 

Well, now that the fires have burned off the NW, the East is getting the kind of smoke we've had for the past few years. It wasn't 'news' when we couldn't see 100 yards.