The warning was active for Colorado.

“Winds have been subsiding across much of southern Colorado, and humidity values have started to rise, and will allow the Red Flag Warning to expire at 6 p.m.,” explains the National Weather Service.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Upper Arkansas River Valley including Lake County and Chaffee County

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

• Fremont County including Canon City/Howard/Texas Creek

• Southern Front Range including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet Mountains/La Veta Pass

• Pueblo County including Pueblo

• Huerfano County including Walsenburg

• Western Las Animas County including Trinidad and Thatcher

• Eastern Las Animas County including Pinon Canyon

• Baca County including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands

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. Bolster burn barrel safety:

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. Mindful disposal of smoking materials:

Steer clear of haphazardly discarding lit cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.

3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:

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 desert a blaze:

Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.

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