Denver, Colorado – Fire danger is peaking across central and northern Colorado today, with fast-moving flames possible within minutes as winds and dry air intensify along the Front Range.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday for the southern foothills, South Park, Palmer Divide, and the I-25 corridor near the Wyoming border. Southwest winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph while humidity levels drop as low as 10%, creating ideal conditions for rapid wildfire spread.
The warning includes densely traveled areas from Denver to Colorado Springs, where roadside sparks or vehicle-related ignitions could quickly grow out of control. Communities near Castle Rock, Fort Collins, and Greeley face elevated risk, especially in open grassland and foothill terrain. CDOT officials urge drivers to avoid parking on dry grass and to remain alert for sudden visibility drops from smoke if a fire starts nearby.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to follow all local burn bans. Properly extinguishing cigarettes and avoiding equipment that produces sparks could prevent a fire from igniting under these volatile conditions.
The fire threat will ease after sunset as winds weaken, but additional advisories could be issued if dry conditions persist into Tuesday.
