Understand Before You Burn Today's Fire Danger

The Fire Danger Rating is based on current and forecasted weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and the dryness of vegetation. Fire danger can change rapidly throughout the day and should be used as a guide when planning outdoor activities.

Although today's conditions may appear safe, residents should always use caution with any activities that could start a wildfire.

Fire Danger Levels

 Low

A Low Fire Danger rating indicates that fuels, such as grasses, brush, and trees, contain sufficient moisture to reduce the likelihood of wildfire ignition and rapid fire spread. While fires can still occur, they are generally less likely to become large or difficult to control under normal weather conditions. Residents should continue to use caution with any outdoor activity involving fire, as responsible behavior is essential regardless of the fire danger level.

🔵 Moderate

A Moderate Fire Danger rating means that environmental conditions are becoming more favorable for wildfire ignition. Fires may start from accidental causes and have the potential to spread through dry vegetation, particularly during periods of increased wind or lower humidity. Although fire behavior is generally manageable, changing weather conditions can quickly increase the potential for wildfire growth.

🟡 High

A High Fire Danger rating indicates that vegetation has become increasingly dry and weather conditions are favorable for wildfire development. Fires can ignite more easily, spread more rapidly, and require greater effort to contain. Under these conditions, even a small fire has the potential to grow quickly if not promptly controlled. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of current fire restrictions and exercise increased caution with outdoor activities.

🟠 Very High

A Very High Fire Danger rating reflects weather and fuel conditions that support rapid wildfire growth and increased fire intensity. Once ignited, fires may spread quickly across grasslands, brush, and timber, particularly when influenced by strong winds or steep terrain. Fire suppression efforts may become more challenging as fire behavior becomes more aggressive, increasing the risk to lives, property, and natural resources.

🔴 Extreme

An Extreme Fire Danger rating represents the highest level of wildfire risk. Fuels are critically dry, and weather conditions such as low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds can support explosive fire behavior. Under these conditions, wildfires may ignite easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult or impossible to control until weather conditions improve. Extreme fire danger often coincides with Red Flag Warnings and periods when fire restrictions or burn bans may be in effect. Everyone should remain vigilant and stay informed of current conditions and emergency information.

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🚩 What is a Red Flag Warning?

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when weather conditions are occuring or are expected that can cause a wildfire to start easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult to control. A Red Flag Warning does not mean a wildfire is currently burning. Instead, it means that if a fire starts, it has the potential to become dangerous very quickly.

How is a Red Flag Warning determined?

There is no single national formula or calculation. Instead, each National Weater Service forecast office works with local land management and fire agencies to establish thresholds based on regional fuels and climate. Meteorolgists evaluate several factors together, including:

• 🌡️ Temperature - Hotter temperatures dry vegetation more quickly
• 💧 Relative Humidity (RH) - Low humidity removes moisture from grasses, brush, and trees
• 💨 Wind Speed and Gusts - Strong winds increase oxygen to a fire, spread flames, and carry embers long distances.
• 🌾 Fuel Moisture - Dry grasses, shrubs, and timber ignite more readily
• 🔥 Fuel Conditions - Existing drought, cured grasses, and recent weather patterns increase fire potential
• ⚡ Forecast Conditions - Expected weather over the next several hours is considered before issuing a warning

Typical Criteria (Colorado)

While criteria vary across the country, many areas of Colorado commonly consider conditions similar to:

• Relative humidity: 15% or lower
• Sustained winds: 25 mph or greater, or frequent gusts exceeding 35 mph
• Critically dry vegetation (fuels)
• Conditions expected to persist for three hours or more

What should you do?

When a 🚩 Red Flag Warning is in effect:

• Avoid outdoor burning
• Do not park vehicles on dry grass
• Use equipment that may create sparks with extreme caution
• Properly secure trailer safety chains
• Follow local fire restrictions and burn bans
• Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911

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Fire Prevention Tips

Help protect our community by following these simple safety practices:

• Properly extinguish campfires with water until they are cold to the touch.
• Never burn on windy days.
• Keep trailers' safety chains from dragging.
• Dispose of cigarettes responsibly.
• Maintain vehicles and equipment to prevent sparks.
• Store firewood at least 30 feet from structures during fire season.
• Keep roofs and gutters free of pine needles and leaves.
• Create defensible space around your home.

Most wildfires are human-caused and can be prevented with a few simple precautions.

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Before You Burn

Before conducting any open burning:

✔ Check today's Fire Danger

✔ Verify current burn restrictions

✔ Obtain any required permits

✔ Monitor wind conditions

✔ Have a water source and shovel available

✔ Never leave a fire unattended

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Wildfire Preparedness

Preparing before wildfire season greatly improves the safety of your family and home.

Residents should:

• Create defensible space around structures.
• Maintain visible reflective address numbers.
• Prepare an evacuation plan.
• Build an emergency "Go Kit."
• Sign up for emergency notifications.
• Know multiple evacuation routes.
• Practice your family's evacuation plan.

Colorado's wildfire preparedness guidance also recommends ensuring your address is clearly visible to responding firefighters and planning for pets and livestock in advance.