Breaking down red flag warnings

The National Weather Service will issue red flag warnings when certain criteria are forecast. Average forecast winds need to be at or above 25 mph and relative humidity needs to be equal to or less than 15 percent.

For areas under the warnings, controlled burns are not permitted. According to Colorado Springs Fire Department Fire Marshal Brett Lacey, barbecue grills are legal to use during red flag conditions. He said while pit fires are also legal, their use is strongly discouraged.

“We’ve got wind conditions that are going to make those fires spread excessively fast and potentially out of our control,” said Lacey.

Red flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service, while fire restrictions and burn bans are issued by cities and counties.

Currently, there are no fire restrictions in El Paso County or Pueblo County. Both counties said they are keeping a close eye on the conditions and will be enacting restrictions or bans if need be.

Teller County has issued Stage I Restrictions, which means no open burns are allowed until that restriction is lifted.