Red Flag Warning for all of Northeast Colorado - progress is being made with Nebraska wildfires
- Media Logic Radio
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
*A Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 am to Noon, to 7-8 p.m. (MDT) this evening for wind and low relative humidity for the northern and northeastern Colorado plains, including Boulder, Jefferson, Broomfield, Douglas, Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Weld, Morgan, Logan, Washington, Sedgwick, Phillips, Yuma, Dundy, and Hitchcock Counties in Colorado & Kansas.
WINDS...Northwest 5 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8-12 percent.
Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. Unpredictable fire behavior. Any fires that develop may rapidly grow and spread out of control.
*A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
As dry conditions continue in Colorado and Kansas, firefighting crews in Nebraska continue to battle dry conditions, but are making progress on several major wildfires across Nebraska, which together have burned nearly 830-thousand acres.
However, crews warn fire activity could increase, with a Red Flag Warning still in effect.
The largest blaze — the Morrill Fire — is burning north of Highway 92 between Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lake McConaughy.
It has scorched more than 643-thousand acres, making it the largest wildfire in Nebraska history and one of the 30 largest in U.S. history.
Governor Jim Pillen says the fire was sparked by an electrical issue during high winds.
One person has died — 86-year-old Rose White of Arthur.
The fire is currently 18 percent contained, with about 200 personnel assigned.
Further south, the Cottonwood Fire in Lincoln County near Brady and Gothenburg has burned more than 131-thousand acres and is 40 percent contained.
Evacuations remain in place for residents around Jeffrey Lake.
More than 200 firefighters are working that fire.
In the Nebraska National Forest, the Road 203 Fire has burned nearly 36-thousand acres and is now 76 percent contained.
Crews say it was likely caused by a federal burn operation.
And near Valentine, the Anderson Bridge Fire has burned over 17-thousand acres and is now 60 percent contained.
Officials continue to urge residents to stay alert as dry, windy conditions persist.
