Grand Junction, Colo. – Gusty winds and bone-dry conditions will bring extreme fire danger to northwest Colorado and northeast Utah Thursday afternoon, as a Red Flag Warning goes into effect from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. MDT.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, the warning covers Colorado’s Little Snake and White River forecast areas, as well as Utah’s Eastern Uinta Basin, Book Cliffs, and Colorado River Basin. Southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph, gusting to 30 mph, combined with relative humidity as low as 5 percent, mean any spark could quickly turn into a fast-moving wildfire.
Communities from Craig and Meeker to Vernal and Fruita should prepare for rapidly changing fire conditions. Local fire agencies urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, operating machinery that produces sparks, or using campfires during this critical period. Drivers should avoid pulling off onto dry grass along highways such as US-40 and CO-13, where roadside fires can start easily.
Fire managers note these conditions are similar to the late July 2021 event that triggered multiple wildfires across the region. Residents are advised to keep emergency “go bags” ready, charge cell phones, and stay tuned to local alerts.
The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday, with more advisories possible if hot, dry winds persist.
