NCW — Sunshine paired with brisk breezes through Monday means continued dry, dusty conditions that could boost the chance of wildfires across North Central Washington and dust storms further east.

Two state agencies have issued weekend weather warnings for residents to limit outdoor fires and use extreme care driving through parts of the Columbia Basin, the Tri-Cities and Spokane County.

“This weekend we’ll see dry fuels and high winds that give us two of the three elements that can start a catastrophic wildfire,” said Peter Goldmark, state Commissioner of Public Lands. “The third element is the tiniest spark. We are asking everyone to take extra care this weekend to avoid any risk of providing that spark.”

Winds up to 40 miles per hour are predicted Sunday through Monday from the eastern slopes of the Cascades to the state’s eastern border, a Department of Natural Resources press release said Friday.

A statewide burn ban on DNR-protected lands is in effect until Sept. 30. The ban includes all forest lands in the state except federal lands. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest currently prohibits campfires outside of developed campgrounds.

Individual campgrounds may also have additional burn restrictions in place.

Strong winds on Sunday could also stir up clouds of dust in the Columbia Basin and points east and lead to dangerous driving conditions, according to Seth Preston, spokesman for the state Department of Ecology. Dust storms can occur when wind speeds are as low as 18 mph, he said.

Inhaled dust particles can also irritate or damage sensitive lung tissues, so care should be taken by people with respiratory illnesses, the elderly, children and pregnant women, said Preston. Strenuous outdoor activities should be limited.

For more info, visit dnr.wa.gov or ecy.wa.gov.

Mike Irwin: 665-1179

irwin@wenatcheeworld.com