Denver, Colorado – Fire danger will climb rapidly across the Palmer Divide and Lincoln County by noon Thursday as dry air and gusty south winds create conditions that can spread flames within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday for Fire Weather Zones 241, 246 and 247, including Elbert County, central and eastern Douglas County above 6,000 feet, and much of Lincoln County. South winds will range from 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph. Relative humidity will drop between 10 and 15 percent during peak heating hours.
The combination of low moisture and steady wind means any spark could move quickly through cured grasses along Highway 86, Interstate 70 east of Limon, and rural roadways across Elbert County. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents should avoid welding, dragging trailer chains, or using equipment that produces sparks during the warning window.
Communities near Castle Rock’s higher elevations and across the open plains south toward Hugo will face the most critical window between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., when humidity bottoms out.
The warning expires at 6 p.m. Thursday, but additional fire weather alerts could follow if dry and breezy conditions persist into Friday.
