Grand Junction, Colo. – Critical fire weather conditions will return to western Colorado and eastern Utah Friday, with strong winds and bone-dry air prompting a Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, fire-prone areas include Colorado’s North Fork and Gunnison Basin forecast zones, along with the Lower Colorado River below 6,000 feet. In Utah, the alert covers the Eastern Uinta Basin, Book Cliffs, and Colorado River Basin zones.
Winds could gust up to 35 mph, with relative humidity as low as 6% in some areas. These conditions, combined with already dry vegetation, mean even small sparks could ignite fast-moving wildfires.
Communities near Montrose, Gunnison, Moab, and Vernal are urged to avoid all outdoor burning and exercise extreme caution with power tools, open flames, or anything that could cause a spark. Authorities recommend postponing yard work, securing trailer chains, and avoiding campfires.
This marks the second consecutive day of heightened fire risk for the region. Winds are expected to ease by Friday night, but officials warn that additional fire weather alerts may be issued if dry conditions persist into the weekend.
