At 1:48 a.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued an updated red flag warning valid between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for Colorado.

Residents can expect winds to be southwest 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 10 percent.

“High fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically. Please avoid any activities that could start a wildfire,” explains the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Teller County/Rampart Range including Pikes Peak and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

• Fremont County including Canon City/Howard/Texas Creek

• Northern El Paso County including Monument and Black Forest

• Southern El Paso County including Fort Carson and Colorado Springs

• Pueblo County including Pueblo

• Huerfano County including Walsenburg

• Western Las Animas County including Trinidad and Thatcher

• Crowley County including Ordway

• Otero County including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands

• Eastern Las Animas County including Pinon Canyon

• Bent County including Las Animas

What does a red flag warning indicate?

A red flag warning indicates that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently happening or will happen soon, as per the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.

What should you do under a red flag warning?

During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:

1. Secure burn barrels:

If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

2. Mindful disposal of smoking materials:

Prudently discard cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.

3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

To prevent inadvertent fires, diligently douse all outdoor fires. Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Submerge charcoal until it’s thoroughly bereft of residual heat. Never depart from live charcoal unattended.

4. Never leave fires unattended:

Refrain from leaving any fire unattended. Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.

Source: The National Weather Service