Red Flag Warning Issued for Larimer and Weld Counties as Wind Gusts Reach 55 MPH
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of Larimer and Weld Counties on November 6, citing wind gusts reaching 55 mph near the foothills and critically dry conditions that could allow rapid fire spread through 5 p.m.
The warning covers areas along the Front Range Urban Corridor west of Interstate 25 and regions near the Wyoming border. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office urged residents to avoid open burning and activities that could generate sparks during the high-risk period.
"It's going to be a dry, windy day. Avoid open burning or sparky activities. We all play a part in preventing wildfire," the sheriff's office stated November 6.
The combination of strong winds and low humidity creates conditions where any fire that ignites could spread quickly and become difficult to control, according to the weather service.
Red Flag Warnings Require Specific Meteorological Thresholds
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings when sustained winds reach 25 to 35 mph or greater, relative humidity falls at or below 10 to 15 percent, and dead fuel moisture drops below approximately 6 percent. Conditions must persist for at least three hours to trigger the warning.
Red Flag Warnings have become more frequent across Northern Colorado over the past decade. The Front Range, including Larimer and Weld counties, now experiences 20 or more Red Flag Warning days per year compared to 10 to 15 days annually in the early 2010s, according to National Weather Service records.
The warnings historically occurred most often during spring months from March through May, but the seasonal pattern has shifted to include more late fall warnings in October and November as dry conditions and wind events extend deeper into autumn.
Open Burning Prohibited Under County Fire Codes
Larimer County prohibits all open burning during Red Flag Warnings by order of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office under the 2021 International Fire Code. The ban includes yard debris fires, campfires, fire pits, bonfires and agricultural burns.
Exceptions apply only to fires in camp stoves or grills fueled by bottled gas or pressurized liquid, and permanent fireplaces designed for combustion. Violations result in citations and fines enforced by the sheriff's office.
Weld County enforces similar restrictions under county fire code resolutions, suspending all open burning permits when Red Flag Warnings are active. Violations may carry penalties up to $10,000 per day, with additional civil and criminal actions possible for repeat or egregious violations.
Both counties require open burning permits during non-warning periods for most outdoor burning activities, with limited agricultural exceptions.
Residents should remain alert for new fire starts and be prepared to take action if a wildfire ignites in their area. Questions about fire restrictions and safety can be directed to local fire protection districts or the Larimer County Sheriff's Office at 970-416-1985.