Pueblo, Colorado – Fire danger is escalating rapidly across southern Colorado today as strong winds and extremely dry air combine to create critical wildfire conditions from late morning through the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for Lake, Chaffee, Teller, Fremont, northern El Paso, Pueblo and Huerfano counties, primarily below 9,000 feet. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 45 mph, while relative humidity levels could drop as low as 8 percent.
Statewide, southern Colorado faces the greatest concern, with conditions favorable for fires to start and spread quickly. Areas including Pueblo, Cañon City, Walsenburg, Salida and Colorado Springs’ northern and western outskirts are all within the warning area. Gusty winds may cause any new fire to grow rapidly, making containment difficult.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to use caution with anything that could produce sparks, including machinery, vehicles parked on dry grass and improperly discarded cigarettes. Fire agencies stress that even a small ignition could lead to a fast-moving wildfire under today’s conditions.
Winds are expected to ease later this evening as humidity levels recover, reducing the immediate fire threat. However, officials warn that elevated fire danger may return on future warm, dry and windy days, and residents should remain alert to changing fire weather conditions.
