NWS Warns of 'Critical Fire Conditions' Sunday

Significant portions of the state of Colorado are under a "Red Flag Warning" Sunday due to the presence of dangerous fire conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the "Red Flag Warning" early this morning, effective through 5 p.m. local time today. After that, a "Fire Weather Watch" will be in place until Monday afternoon.

Red Flag Warning/Fire Weather Watch: What do they mean?

According to the NWS, a "Red Flag Warning" or "Fire Weather Watch" is announced "when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger."

"These products are written for land and fire managers to highlight the increased fire danger," says the official NWS website.

A "Red Flag Warning" is the most severe fire alert, issued when dangerous conditions "are expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours."

Meanwhile, a "Fire Weather Watch" is put in place up to 72 hours before conditions are expected to be present.

What is happening in Colorado?

The NWS Pueblo office published a "Fire Weather Warning" through later today for the following fire zones: 221, 222, 226, 227, 228 and 229. Wind gusts between 40-45 mph and relative humidity in the teens makes for "critical fire weather conditions."

"Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning," the NWS said.

Additionally, the NWS Denver/Boulder outpost put a "Red Flag Warning" out for fire zones 214, 216 and 241, which covers parts of Park, Jefferson and Douglas counties. Residents are asked to refrain from any outdoor burning or activities that can lead to a fire.

Once these red flag warnings expire, a "Fire Weather Watch" will continue in all areas until tomorrow afternoon.