Grand Junction, Colo. – Wildfire danger is rising fast across western Colorado today as gusty winds and bone-dry air trigger a Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 p.m. Friday. Officials warn that any spark could lead to fast-moving fires, especially in areas below 7,000 feet from the Lower Colorado River to the Southwest Forecast Zone.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, fire-prone conditions will intensify this weekend. A Fire Weather Watch is in place for Saturday and Sunday afternoons as winds strengthen to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph possible by Sunday evening. Relative humidity will remain critically low, between 8 and 13 percent.
Communities from Glenwood Springs and Rifle to Montrose and Cortez should avoid all outdoor burning and use extra caution with equipment, trailers, or anything that could spark along highways like U.S. 50 and U.S. 550. Dry fuels and wind make even small fires hard to control.
Fire agencies urge residents to have evacuation plans, limit use of fire pits or grills, and check for local burn restrictions. This is the most dangerous fire weather setup of the season so far.
Fire weather alerts remain in effect through Sunday night, with potential upgrades to Red Flag Warnings expected.
