Red Flag Warning issued for western Colorado, including Routt and Moffat counties
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of western Colorado, including Routt and Moffat counties, effective until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
The warning notes gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels for fire weather zones. A fire weather watch is also in effect from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening.
In addition to the Red Flag Warning, the National Weather Service also issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for wildfire smoke until 9 a.m. Wednesday. Residents with heart disease or respiratory illnesses are advised to stay indoors.
Fire danger levels are Very High and High for Routt and Moffat counties, according to the Northern Colorado Interagency Dispatch Center.
The warnings come as fire crews attack two fires in Rio Blanco County, the Elk and Lee fires, which were zero percent contained as of Tuesday morning.
As the Elk Fire continued to spread, the White River National Forest issued a public forest closure for firefighter and public safety, according to a Tuesday afternoon news release from the U.S. Forest Service.
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