Stratmoor Hills
Fire Department

Red Flag Warning and Fire Restrictions

Red Flag Warning

Definition:  

Informs land management agencies of the imminent or actual occurrence of Red Flag conditions. A Red Flag Warning will be issued when there is high confidence that Red Flag criteria will be met within the next 24 to 48 hours, or when those criteria are already being met or exceeded. A warning may be issued for all, or portions of a fire weather zone or region. Zones impacted by the event will be listed within the Red Flag Warning product. 

Criteria:  

A combination of weather and fuels conditions (as determined by fire management) for any 3 hours or more in a 12 hour period. These criteria for the forecast area of the Denver/Boulder NWS office are defined as the following:

  • Frequent gusts of 25 mph or greater – AND relative humidity of 15% or less
  • Dry thunderstorms (15% coverage or more, constitution an LAL 6.)

OTHER FACTORS: 
In addition to the basic criteria above, a combination of other elements may result in Red Flag Conditions:

  • Haines Index of 5 or 6, indication a moderate or high potential for large, plume dominated fire growth.
  • Wind shifts associated with frontal passages.
  • First significant lightning event (wet or dry) after an extended hot and dry period.
  • Poor relative humidity recovery overnight (RH remains at 40% or lower.)
  • Any combination of weather and fuel moisture conditions which, in the judgment of the forecaster, would cause extensive wildfire occurrences.

Fire Weather Watch

Definition:  

Alerts land management agencies to the high potential for development of Red Flag criteria (see above) in the next 12-72 hours. The watch may be issued for all, or portions of a fire weather zone or region. Zones impacted by the event will be listed within the RFW

Fire Pits

  • Fire pits and fire rings must be located at least 25 feet from structures or combustible materials (wood fencing or decks, vegetation, etc.).
  • Portable outdoor fireplaces or manufactured freestanding fire pits equipped with side screens and a cover must be used at least 15 feet away from structures or combustible materials.
  • The fuel area of fire pits, fire rings, or outdoor fireplaces must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
  • Only dry and seasoned wood may be burned in recreational fire pits – no yard waste, trash, or treated lumber.
  • Fuels shall be limited so that flame lengths do not exceed 36 inches at any time.
  • All fires must be attended by a competent adult at all times.
  • A water source adequate for extinguishing the fire (garden hose, bucket of water, etc.) must be nearby.
  • Recreational fires are not permitted during Red Flag Warning weather conditions, or when fire restrictions or burn bans are in effect.

To see more information from the El Paso County Sheriff regarding wildland fires, click HERE.

To see the El Paso County open burning ordinance, click HERE.