Colorado Springs, Colorado – Warm temperatures, gusty winds, and extremely dry air are combining to create dangerous fire weather conditions across parts of eastern Colorado on Thursday.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon until 6 p.m. Thursday for areas along and east of the Palmer Divide, including communities near Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Kiowa, and Limon. During this time, weather conditions will be favorable for rapid wildfire growth if a fire starts.
Temperatures across the plains are expected to climb into the upper 60s to low 70s Thursday afternoon, bringing unusually mild conditions for early March. At the same time, relative humidity levels could fall as low as 10 percent, creating very dry vegetation and highly flammable conditions.
Adding to the risk, wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected across parts of eastern Colorado. The combination of dry air and gusty winds could allow fires to spread quickly across grasslands and open terrain.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, as well as Interstate 70 near Bennett and Limon, may notice gusty crosswinds during the afternoon hours. While winds are not expected to reach severe levels, they may still make travel more challenging for high-profile vehicles on exposed roadways.
Fire officials urge residents to avoid any activity that could spark a fire during the warning period. Outdoor burning should be postponed, and people should avoid using equipment that could create sparks in dry grass.
Even small ignition sources—such as improperly discarded cigarettes, trailer chains dragging on pavement, or outdoor grilling—could start a fire that spreads quickly under these conditions.
Officials encourage residents to remain alert and follow any local burn restrictions throughout the day as fire danger remains elevated across eastern Colorado.
