Red Flag Warning Issued for Fremont and Huerfano Counties in Southern Colorado

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions. This alert replaces the previous Fire Weather Watch and indicates that hazardous conditions are imminent or occurring.

Affected Areas

The warning covers Fire Weather Zones 222 and 229 in Southern Colorado. Specific locations include:

• Fremont County: Including Canon City, Howard, and Texas Creek.
• Huerfano County: Including Walsenburg.

What You Should Do

Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution. Fires can catch and spread rapidly under these conditions. Avoid any outdoor activities that could produce sparks or start a wildfire, such as outdoor burning, operating heavy machinery in dry grass, or discarding cigarettes improperly. Prepare for the possibility of rapid fire growth.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: West winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
• Humidity: Relative humidity levels are expected to drop as low as 13 percent.
• Impacts: The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures will contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective from 10:00 AM MST on Thursday, February 19, until 7:00 PM MST the same day.