Forecasters Warn of Particularly Dangerous Fire Threat in Colorado and Wyoming as Wind Gusts Could Reach 100 MPH

Forecasters are issuing their strongest warnings yet as an exceptionally dangerous wildfire threat develops across parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The National Weather Service has issued rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warnings, citing extreme conditions that pose a serious risk to life and property if a wildfire ignites.

This marks the first time a PDS red flag warning has ever been issued in Colorado. The warnings cover parts of the foothills, including Boulder and Jefferson counties in Colorado and Laramie County in Wyoming. Officials say the combination of extremely strong winds, very dry air, and near-record warmth could lead to explosive and unpredictable wildfire behavior.

Winds are expected to blow steadily between 45 and 55 miles per hour, with gusts potentially exceeding 100 miles per hour. Forecasters warn that the winds alone could cause damage, including downed trees and power lines, which increases the risk of fires starting.

Residents in the affected areas are being urged to prepare emergency supply kits and familiarize themselves with evacuation routes. Officials caution that in some cases, safe and timely evacuations may not be possible if a fire approaches rapidly.

In response to the threat, Xcel Energy has announced a public safety power shutoff affecting nearly 70,000 customers in Colorado. The company says the precautionary move is intended to prevent downed power lines from sparking fires during the extreme wind event. Some residents were already without power earlier this week following another wind-driven shutoff.

The Storm Prediction Center has classified the area under a Level 3 of 3 fire weather risk, the most severe category, impacting more than 600,000 people, including residents in Boulder, Fort Collins, and Cheyenne. Surrounding areas along the Interstate 25 corridor remain under slightly lower, but still critical, fire danger levels.

Dry conditions are expected to persist into the evening, potentially extending the duration of the hazardous fire weather across the region.

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