Fire danger high throughout eastern Colorado; Red Flag Warnings expire but fires burn

DENVER – Fire danger is high throughout much of the eastern half of Colorado Monday as high winds blow through the plains from the mountains.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for nearly every eastern county of the state. Dry weather, mixed with winds gusting up to 40 or 50 miles per hour is expected through the evening.

Several fires have already sparked in various parts of the state, mostly along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.

The relative humidity is expected to be as low as 12 percent throughout the afternoon, which mixed with high winds creates the perfect storm for fire weather. The National Weather Service advises anything capable of producing a spark can cause a fire under these conditions.

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One fire sparked on Beulah Hill in Pueblo County early Monday afternoon, forcing evacuations in the area as it grew quickly while the area was bombarded by high wind.

The fire was estimated at 2,400 acres by 6:30 p.m. No injuries have been reported so far, but seven structures have been lost, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.

Another fire burned about 1 acre in Boulder County near Forest Service Road 355 and West Magnolia. And yet another small grass fire burned around 18 acres in Loveland near 42nd Street and South Lincoln Avenue. Authorities said it appeared that fire sparked after someone threw a cigarette out of their car.

And a fourth fire was reported along U.S. 287 south of Ted's Place around 7 p.m. Several agencies, including the Livermore Fire Protecting District, responded. The fire has burned 50 acres and destroyed one structure, but is expected to be contained by 8 p.m., officials said.

All four were fueled by high winds at the time.