At 4:56 p.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service issued an updated red flag warning valid for Friday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for Colorado.
Expect winds to be southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph and relative humidity as low as 10 percent.
“Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically,” adds the NWS.
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
• 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
• Otero County including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands
• Eastern Las Animas County including Pinon Canyon
What is the significance of a red flag warning?
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 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. 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. Mindful handling 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 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:
Refrain from leaving any fire unattended. Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service