The warning was for Colorado.
“Winds will continue to slowly decrease for the remainder of the evening, while humidity levels slowly creep back up above 15 percent,” says the National Weather Service.
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
• San Luis Valley including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache
• Southern Front Range including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet Mountains/La Veta Pass
• 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
• Kiowa County including Eads
• Bent County including Las Animas
• Prowers County including Lamar
What does a red flag warning mean?
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:
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. Responsible 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 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 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 reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service