Pueblo, Colorado – A single spark could ignite a fast-moving grassfire by late morning Tuesday as winds ramp up to 40 mph and humidity drops to 12 percent across El Paso County and the southern plains.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. MST Tuesday for El Paso County, including Colorado Springs, Monument, Black Forest, and Fort Carson, as well as Pueblo, Las Animas, Otero, Bent, Baca, and surrounding counties. West winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 55 mph in Colorado Springs and up to 65 mph across the Arkansas Valley and southeast plains.
Dry grasses and unseasonably warm conditions will allow fires to spread rapidly. Communities including Pueblo, La Junta, Lamar, Trinidad, and Springfield face elevated wildfire danger through early evening.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Residents should secure trailer chains, avoid parking on dry grass, and postpone welding or equipment use that could create sparks.
A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect for Wednesday, when gusts up to 55 mph and humidity near 12 percent could renew critical fire conditions across southern Colorado.
