Pueblo, CO – Wind gusts up to 60 mph and humidity as low as 8 percent could spark fast-moving grassfires along Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 50 by 11 a.m. Monday, putting travel and rural communities at immediate risk through early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a second watch Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. across southern Colorado. Dry fuels combined with sustained southwest winds and gusts up to 60 mph Tuesday will create critical fire weather conditions. The strongest winds are expected Tuesday, especially across the plains east of I-25.
Communities from Colorado Springs south through Pueblo and Trinidad along I-25, and east toward La Junta, Lamar and Springfield along US-50 and US-287, face the highest threat. Blowing dust may reduce visibility below one mile at times on open stretches of highway, especially east of Pueblo County.
Any spark from dragging chains, equipment use or roadside debris could ignite fires capable of rapid spread. Residents should avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains and postpone activities that generate sparks. Ranchers and landowners should move equipment away from dry grasses and have water sources ready.
Strong crosswinds could also impact high-profile vehicles along I-25, particularly near Raton Pass and open plains east of Pueblo.
Critical conditions will ease after sunset each evening, but additional warnings may be issued if wind speeds increase. Fire agencies remain on alert through Tuesday evening.
