Red Flag Warning Issued for Palmer Divide and Lincoln County Through Thursday Evening

Weather Alerts medium NOAA · · East Central Colorado

NWS Denver CO has issued a Red Flag Warning for Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties effective Thursday afternoon due to critical fire weather conditions.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are imminent or occurring, replacing the previously issued Fire Weather Watch.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following geographic regions and Fire Weather Zones:

  • Elbert/Central and East Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet (Zone 241)
  • North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County (Zone 246)
  • Southeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/South Lincoln County (Zone 247)

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas should avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. The combination of environmental factors can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Prepare for conditions favorable for rapid fire spread.

Expected Conditions

  • Winds: South winds between 10 to 20 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
  • Humidity: Relative humidity levels will be dangerously low, ranging from 10 to 15 percent.
  • Hazards: Strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures will create an environment where fires can spread quickly.

Timeline

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

Source: NOAA Official Notice