At 8:08 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service released an updated red flag warning in effect until Saturday at midnight for Larimer County below 6,000 feet/Northwest Weld County, North Douglas County below 6,000 feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe counties/East Broomfield County, Elbert/central and east Douglas counties above 6,000 feet, Northeast Weld County and Central and South Weld County.
Residents can expect winds to be west 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph west of I-25 and relative humidity as low as 14 percent.
“West west winds of 20-35 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph in wind prone areas near the base of the foothills will continue into this evening. They will also be spreading east onto the nearby adjacent plains and I-25 Corridor through late evening and overnight. While the Particularly Dangerous Situation for the foothills of Boulder and northern Jefferson counties has eased, Red Flag conditions will remain in place as we stay in a near record warm, dry, and windy airmass along the Front Range through midnight. In fact, strong, gusty winds will persist through much of the night with only a slow improvement in humidity values. Thus, near critical Red Flag conditions will occur into early Saturday morning,” says the NWS. “Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.”
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. 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:
Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking 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 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