Red Flag Warning Issued for Southeast Colorado: High Winds and Low Humidity Create Extreme Fire Risk

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions. This alert signifies that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures is creating an environment where extreme fire behavior is likely. The previously issued Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect as conditions have escalated to a warning level.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several counties and fire weather zones in Southeast Colorado, including:

• Crowley County: Including Ordway
• Otero County: Including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands
• Eastern Las Animas County: Including Pinon Canyon
• Kiowa County: Including Eads
• Bent County: Including Las Animas
• Prowers County: Including Lamar
• Baca County: Including Springfield and Eastern Comanche Grasslands
• Fire Weather Zones: 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, and 237

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are urged to avoid all activities that could potentially start a wildfire. Under these conditions, fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically. Residents should prepare for hazardous conditions and remain vigilant.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: For Tuesday, west winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 65 mph. For Wednesday, west winds will range from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
• Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 11 percent.
• Impacts: The combination of high-velocity winds and extremely dry air will contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Timeline

• Tuesday Alert: The first Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7:00 PM MST this evening, February 17.
• Wednesday Alert: A second Red Flag Warning is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST Wednesday, February 18.