Courtesy Grand County Sheriff’s Office
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag warning for Grand County on Sunday due to the warm, dry and windy conditions.
The Red Flag warning begins noon Sunday and lasts until 7 p.m. Monday evening. The warning was issued for anywhere in Grand below 9000 feet and in the south and southeastern parts of the county.
According to the NWS, wind speeds are expected to be around 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. The relative humidity is forecast to be as low as 12% on both Sunday and Monday.
These conditions are favorable for “the rapid ignition, growth, and spread of fires.”
Local first responders are reminding people in Grand County to ensure their outdoor fires are completely out by dousing them in water and then covering them in dirt. They have also issued warnings to be careful when smoking.
Two recent fires in Grand County occurred when a campfire was left unattended and when fireplace coals were disposed of in a front yard.