A red flag warning was released by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 12:18 p.m. valid for Thursday between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. for Colorado.
Winds are forecasted to be northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 7%.
“Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically,” adds the NWS.
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
• Southern Front Range including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet Mountains/La Veta Pass
• 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
• Otero County including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands
• Eastern Las Animas County including Pinon Canyon
• Bent County including Las Animas
• Prowers County including Lamar
• Baca County including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands
What does a red flag warning indicate?
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 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:
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:
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 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