At 8:48 p.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning valid from Wednesday 10 a.m. until Thursday midnight for Denver and the Eastern Plains.
The NWS states that the warning was issued for wind and low relative humidity. Winds are expected to be southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity 4 to 9%.
“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:
• Central and Southeast Park County
• Jefferson and West Douglas counties above 6,000 feet/Gilpin/Clear Creek/Northeast Park counties below 9,000 feet
• 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
• Elbert/central and east Douglas counties above 6,000 feet
• 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
• Southeast Elbert County below 6,000 feet/South Lincoln County
• Morgan County
• Logan County
• Washington County
• Sedgwick County
• Phillips County
What does a red flag warning indicate?
A red flag warning implies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently taking place or will occur shortly, according to 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 are the recommended measures to take 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. Bolster burn barrel safety:
If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Mindful handling 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. 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 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