On Friday at 12:33 a.m. an updated red flag warning was released by the National Weather Service valid between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. for Colorado.

Expect winds to be for today, west 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. For Saturday, west 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph and relative humidity as low as 7%.

“Extreme fire danger is expected. Fires will uncontrollably spread and be very destructive,” explains the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Fremont County including Canon City/Howard/Texas Creek

• San Luis Valley including Alamosa/Del Norte/Fort Garland/Saguache

• Southern Front Range including Sangre De Cristo Mountains/Wet Mountains/La Veta Pass

• 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 does a red flag warning indicate?

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 steps should you follow 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:

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:

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 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 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