On Saturday at 11:54 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated red flag warning valid between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. for Denver and the Eastern Plains.
Residents can expect winds to be west 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 4%.
“All-time record March heat, exceptionally low humidity, and periods of breezy winds will drive critical fire weather conditions this afternoon, most pronounced above 6,000 ft and west of I-25 where winds will be strongest,” adds the NWS. “Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
• Larimer County below 6,000 feet/Northwest Weld County
• Boulder/Jefferson counties below 6,000 feet/West Broomfield County
• North Douglas County below 6,000 feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe counties/East Broomfield County
• Elbert/central and east Douglas counties above 6,000 feet
• Northeast Weld County
• Central and South Weld County
• Central and East Adams and Arapahoe counties
• Morgan County
• Logan County
• Sedgwick County
What does a red flag warning indicate?
A red flag warning implies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently taking place or will occur shortly, according to 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?
A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:
1. Secure burn barrels:
In areas where controlled burning is sanctioned, make certain that burn barrels sport a weighty metal cover, equipped with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Responsible disposal of smoking materials:
Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking 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:
Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service