Southern Colorado Under Renewed Red Flag Warnings as Smoke Chokes I‑25

Overview

• Red Flag Warnings remained in effect Thursday and are active through midnight across much of southern Colorado while an Air Quality Health Advisory covers the I‑25 corridor and is likely to be extended.
• Forecasts call for another Red Flag day Friday, which is expected to be the hottest of the week with southwest winds that could spur rapid fire growth.
• A slight cooldown is expected on July 4 with only isolated shower chances, and more meaningful moisture with daily afternoon thunderstorm chances is forecast to begin Sunday, which could slowly improve firefighting conditions.
• Fire managers report ramped-up activity at the Aspen Acres fire, which is increasing local smoke and making suppression harder because large fires can locally enhance winds and create erratic behavior.
• State fire restrictions are in effect, officials are urging residents to avoid spark-producing activities, and smoky, hazy conditions are reducing air quality and visibility for people and drivers along the I‑25 corridor.