Denver, Colorado – A dangerous window for rapid wildfire spread begins by 11 a.m. Friday, as strong winds and extremely dry air combine across eastern Colorado.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for eastern Larimer County and northern Weld County from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph closer to the Wyoming border, while humidity drops as low as 7 percent.
These conditions significantly raise the risk of fast-moving grass fires, especially along the I-25 corridor north of Denver, including Fort Collins, Greeley, and surrounding plains communities. Dry fuels and open terrain will allow any fire start to spread quickly and become difficult to control.
The threat expands further Saturday, with critical fire conditions expected to become more widespread across northeast Colorado as heat builds and winds strengthen.
Residents are urged to follow local burn bans, avoid parking on dry grass, and properly dispose of cigarettes. Even small sparks can ignite fires under these conditions.
Fire danger remains elevated through Saturday evening, with additional alerts possible as conditions evolve.
