Red Flag Warning Issued for Kit Carson, Cheyenne, and Greeley Counties Through Thursday Evening

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Goodland, KS, has issued a Red Flag Warning due to critical fire weather conditions. This alert signifies that hazardous fire conditions are imminent or occurring, and it replaces the previously issued Fire Weather Watch.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following geographic regions and fire weather zones:

• Colorado: Kit Carson County (Fire Weather Zone 253) and Cheyenne County (Fire Weather Zone 254).
• Kansas: Greeley County (Fire Weather Zone 041).

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Strictly comply with all local burn bans and outdoor burning regulations.
• Avoid driving vehicles on dry grass or brush, as hot exhaust components can ignite vegetation.
• Maintain vehicle brakes and tires and ensure tow chains are secured to avoid dragging, which can create sparks.
• Never toss lit cigarettes or other smoking materials onto the ground.

Expected Conditions

Critical fire weather conditions are forecast to develop behind a pronounced dryline on Thursday afternoon. Specific hazards include:

• Winds: South winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
• Humidity: Relative humidity levels are expected to drop as low as 13 percent.
• Impacts: These conditions can lead to unpredictable fire behavior. Any fires that develop may rapidly grow and spread out of control.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM MST on Thursday, March 5, 2026.