Pueblo, Colo. – High fire danger is threatening large portions of southern and central Colorado this weekend, with gusty winds and bone-dry conditions prompting Red Flag Warnings through 10 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, southwest winds from 20 to 30 mph—with gusts reaching 45 mph—combined with relative humidity as low as 9 percent, are creating prime conditions for fast-moving wildfires. The alert spans the Continental Divide and southeastern mountain ranges, where critically dry vegetation could ignite quickly.
Areas including Salida, Westcliffe, Alamosa, and Walsenburg are under heightened risk. Fire officials urge residents to avoid any outdoor activities that could spark a flame—such as grilling, welding, or using power tools. Fires that start in these conditions are likely to spread rapidly and unpredictably, especially near U.S. Highways 50 and 160.
This level of fire weather is not unusual for late June in Colorado’s high terrain, but the combination of wind and extreme dryness increases the threat. Outdoor burns are banned, and power outages are possible if utility companies shut off lines as a precaution.
Red Flag Warnings remain in effect through 10 p.m. Sunday, with updates expected if wind conditions persist into Monday.
