Pueblo, CO – A volatile mix of 45 mph wind gusts and humidity as low as 5 percent is priming southern Colorado for explosive fire growth, with critical conditions already in place and intensifying again by late Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, Red Flag Warnings remain active until 5 p.m. Wednesday for El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, Las Animas, Crowley and Otero counties, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Walsenburg, Trinidad and La Junta. Another Red Flag Warning takes effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday for much of the same area, including Fremont County and Canon City. A Fire Weather Watch is posted for Friday morning through Friday afternoon as dry, gusty conditions persist.
Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, will combine with relative humidity between 5 and 15 percent. Even small sparks from vehicles, equipment or outdoor burning can ignite fast-moving grassfires. Open areas near Fort Carson, Black Forest and the Interstate 25 corridor face heightened risk.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and delay activities that could create sparks. Fire agencies warn that any new fire could spread rapidly and erratically.
Critical fire weather continues through Thursday evening, and additional warnings are possible if Friday’s winds strengthen.
