Yuma, Colorado – Explosive fire danger is set to grip the Tri-State area Sunday as gusty southwest winds and bone-dry air create critical conditions across eastern Colorado, northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska.
A Red Flag Warning runs from 11 a.m. MST (noon CST) to 5 p.m. MST (6 p.m. CST) Sunday for Yuma and Kit Carson counties in Colorado, Cheyenne County in Kansas, and Dundy, Hitchcock and Red Willow counties in Nebraska. Southwest winds of 15 to 30 mph will combine with relative humidity as low as 15 percent, priming grasses and crop stubble to ignite and spread rapidly.
According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, winds will begin increasing by midmorning in Yuma and Kit Carson counties before expanding east through the afternoon. Any fire that starts could grow quickly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents should avoid parking vehicles on dry grass or dragging tow chains that could spark.
The threat escalates again Tuesday. A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening for Yuma and Kit Carson counties, where southwest winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are possible. Humidity could fall as low as 12 percent. According to the National Weather Service, a cold front may shift winds west later in the day, increasing the risk of erratic fire behavior.
Travelers along U.S. 34, U.S. 36 and Interstate 70 should be alert for sudden visibility drops in blowing dust and smoke if fires ignite. Secure loose outdoor items, delay any welding or agricultural burns, and report smoke immediately to local authorities.
