Northeast Colorado – Critical wildfire conditions are expected Saturday afternoon as the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for large portions of northeast Colorado.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder, the Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST Saturday for eastern Larimer County below 6,000 feet, Weld County, Morgan County, Logan County, Washington County, Phillips County, and Sedgwick County. The warning applies to multiple fire weather zones covering the northeastern plains and Front Range foothill-adjacent areas.
Forecasters report northwest winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour, combined with very low relative humidity ranging from 14 to 15 percent. This combination creates an environment where any fire start could spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
The National Weather Service warns that outdoor burning should be avoided, along with any activities that could produce sparks, including welding, equipment use, and parking vehicles on dry grass. Fire behavior may become extreme during the afternoon hours when winds peak and humidity drops to its lowest levels.
Areas of concern include travel corridors such as Interstate 25, Interstate 76, U.S. Highway 34, U.S. Highway 85, and U.S. Highway 6, where roadside ignitions can spread quickly under gusty conditions. Agricultural operations and rangeland areas are especially vulnerable due to dormant vegetation.
Communities across Weld, Logan, Morgan, Washington, Phillips, and Sedgwick counties, along with eastern Larimer County, are urged to remain alert for signs of smoke or fire. Any wildfire could grow quickly and threaten property or infrastructure before suppression resources arrive.
Officials emphasize that Red Flag Warnings indicate either ongoing or imminent critical fire weather conditions. Conditions are expected to improve later Saturday evening as winds decrease and humidity recovers.
Residents and workers across northeast Colorado are encouraged to use extreme caution and report any fire starts immediately.
