At 11:34 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued an updated red flag warning in effect until 7 p.m. for Denver and the Eastern Plains.

Winds are expected to be northwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. The strongest winds will be over the northern plains and relative humidity as low as 13 percent.

“Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire,” explains the NWS.

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

• Northeast Weld County

• Central and South Weld County

• Central and East Adams and Arapahoe counties

• North and Northeast Elbert County below 6,000 feet/North Lincoln County

• Morgan County

• Logan County

• Washington County

• Sedgwick County

• Phillips County

What is the significance of a red flag warning?

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 steps should you follow during 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:

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:

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. 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 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 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