Pueblo, Colorado – Any spark in southern Colorado this afternoon could spread fast enough to threaten grasslands, roadsides and nearby structures within minutes as dry air and gusty winds intensify from the San Luis Valley to the Interstate 25 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from noon to 7 p.m. Monday for fire weather zones covering the San Luis Valley, the southern Front Range, Huerfano County and western Las Animas County. Southwest winds will increase to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, while relative humidity drops as low as 13%.
The highest concern includes Alamosa, Del Norte, Fort Garland and Saguache in the valley, along with Walsenburg, Trinidad, La Veta Pass and the Wet and Sangre de Cristo mountains. Fire growth could become rapid in open terrain, especially near U.S. 160, U.S. 350 and I-25 where wind exposure is higher.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, delay activities that create sparks and secure trailer chains to prevent roadside ignitions. Crews may face quick-moving fire behavior if any grass fire starts.
The warning expires at 7 p.m. as temperatures cool and humidity begins to recover, but additional fire weather alerts could follow if dry and windy conditions continue.
