On Friday at 2:12 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated red flag warning valid for Saturday between noon and 8 p.m. for Southeast Colorado.
Residents can expect winds to be west 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity 10 to 15 percent.
“Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning,” says the NWS.
The full list of affected locations includes:
• 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
What does a red flag warning indicate?
A red flag warning signifies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently in effect or will be shortly, as stated by 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 handling 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. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:
To safeguard against accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Drown them with an ample amount of water and stir to confirm that everything is cold to the touch. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s thoroughly cooled. Never dispose of live charcoal on the ground.
4. Never desert a blaze:
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