On Monday at 2:25 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated red flag warning valid between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for Southeast Colorado.

Residents can expect winds to be west 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity as low as 12 percent.

“Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning,” adds the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• 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

What does a red flag warning indicate?

A red flag warning means that extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly, according to the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire spreading 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:

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. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:

To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.

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