If you live in Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or anywhere along the I-25 corridor, you’ll want to be extra careful this Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which means conditions are perfect for wildfires to start and spread fast.
The combination of gusty winds, dry air, and warm temperatures creates the perfect storm for fires to get out of control quickly. Even something as small as a spark from a grill, a tossed cigarette, or a piece of equipment hitting a rock could ignite a blaze that spreads in minutes.
This isn’t the day to burn yard waste, have a bonfire, or do anything that involves open flames. A little extra caution could prevent a disaster.
Why Is the Fire Risk So High?
Strong Winds: Gusts up to 40 mph mean that if a fire starts, it could spread before firefighters even have a chance to respond.
Extremely Dry Air: Humidity will drop as low as 10%, making grass, brush, and trees ready to burn.
Warm Temperatures: Highs in the upper 50s to mid-60s will dry out the landscape even more.
No Recent Rain: The ground is already bone-dry, and anything flammable can catch fire in seconds.
Who Needs to Be Extra Cautious?
The Fire Weather Watch covers a huge stretch of the I-25 corridor, including:
- Denver
- Colorado Springs
- Pueblo
- Castle Rock
- Trinidad
If you’re in these areas, do everything you can to prevent sparks or flames from spreading. Fires can take off in these conditions, and once they do, they’re incredibly hard to stop.
How to Help Prevent a Wildfire
✔ Skip the Fire Pit or Grill – Even a tiny ember can be carried by the wind and start a fire.
✔ Watch Out with Equipment – Lawnmowers, chainsaws, and welding tools can send sparks flying. If you have to use them, do it early in the morning when winds are lower.
✔ Don’t Park on Dry Grass – Your car’s hot engine or exhaust pipe can ignite dry vegetation instantly. Park on pavement or dirt instead.
✔ Put Out Cigarettes Properly – Tossing a cigarette out the window? That’s how wildfires start. Make sure they’re completely out before discarding them.
✔ Report Smoke or Fire Immediately – If you see flames or smell smoke, call 911 right away. Wildfires move too fast to wait.
What’s Coming Next? Big Weather Changes
Colorado weather never stays the same for long, and next week is proof:
🌡 Monday: Temps soar into the 80s, and winds will still be strong, meaning the fire risk stays high.
❄ Tuesday Night – Wednesday: A cold front will move in, bringing rain and possibly snow, which should help lower the fire danger but might create icy roads.
A Little Caution Goes a Long Way
Sunday’s fire risk is serious—please avoid anything that could start a fire.
If you see smoke or fire, don’t assume someone else has called it in—report it immediately.
Wind can change conditions fast—stay informed and be prepared.
It only takes one careless moment to spark a wildfire, but it takes all of us working together to prevent one.
