Red Flag Warning

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR SOUTH PARK, THE SOUTHERN FOOTHILLS, AND THE PALMER DIVIDE TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY...

A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 25 mph to the south of I-70 with gusts up to 35 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions.

The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon today to 8 PM MDT this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 214, 216 and 241.

* TIMING...From noon today to 8 PM MDT this evening.

* WINDS...South 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.