Craig, Colorado – Dry air and powerful winds could create dangerous wildfire conditions across northwest Colorado Saturday afternoon, prompting a Red Flag Warning that runs from noon through 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, the warning covers the Little Snake and White River forecast areas below 8,000 feet, including communities near Craig, Meeker, Rangely and surrounding rural areas. Southwest winds are expected to reach 20 to 30 mph with gusts as high as 40 to 50 mph while humidity levels plunge to between 10 and 15 percent.
Those conditions allow fires to ignite easily and spread quickly, especially across dry grasses and brush that have not yet greened up this spring. Outdoor burning, welding, or even parking vehicles on dry vegetation could spark a fast-moving wildfire under these conditions.
Highways across northwest Colorado, including U.S. 40 and Colorado Highway 13 near Craig and Meeker, may also see blowing dust and erratic fire behavior if any fires start near roadways.
Fire officials urge residents to avoid any outdoor burning and secure trailers or chains that could drag sparks along roadways. Land managers also advise delaying agricultural burns and checking equipment that may generate heat or sparks.
Another round of critical fire conditions may develop Monday afternoon into the evening, when a Fire Weather Watch is already posted for the same areas.
