Pueblo, Colorado – Extreme fire risk grips the Upper Arkansas River Valley Tuesday, as a Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m., driven by gusty winds and critically low humidity. Outdoor burning could turn dangerous quickly across Lake and Chaffee counties, where fires may start and spread in minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, west winds will gust up to 40 mph, with relative humidity plummeting as low as 7 percent today and only slightly higher on Thursday. Officials have also issued a Fire Weather Watch for Thursday morning through Thursday evening, warning of renewed critical fire weather conditions for the same area.
Communities in and around Buena Vista, Leadville, and Salida should avoid all outdoor flames, secure spark-producing equipment, and report any smoke or fire immediately. Local agencies urge residents to have an evacuation plan ready, clear defensible space around homes, and avoid travel near active wildfires. Winds may also bring rapid shifts in fire direction, making firefighting even more dangerous and unpredictable.
Dangerous fire weather is expected to persist at least through Thursday night. Additional Red Flag Warnings could be posted if weather conditions worsen.
