Extremely Critical Fire Risk Wednesday

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a rare "extremely critical fire risk" for Wednesday across West Texas. Any fire that breaks out in these conditions is likely to spread rapidly through winter grasses and pose a major threat to life and property.

Fire danger is HIGH on Wednesday due to breezy and dry conditions across the Plains. Widespread Red Flag Warnings are in effect through Wednesday to account for the danger - please do not do any outdoor burning of any kind in these dangerous fire conditions.

Much of the Texas Panhandle is free from drought conditions but parts of SE New Mexico are experiencing exceptional drought. Drought isn't the only contributing factor to the fire risk, dead winter grasses and relative humidity values in the single digits and teens mean fuels will be quick to burn. Additionally, temperatures will be in the 60s and winds will gust over 30 mph.

This follows a large wildfire that broke out on the East Side of Colorado Springs on Sunday, growing to over 600 acres in just a couple of hours under breezy and dry conditions. This was at the intersection of Marksheffel and Drennan Road, just east of the Airport. According to the Colorado Springs Fire Dept, the cause of the fire was likely because of a car dragging chains. Thankfully it is up to 90% containment.

Just two weeks ago, deadly fires broke out in the Texas Panhandle when strong winds fanned flames started in part to electric equipment from Xcel Energy. More on that story here: Texas Wildfire Update. In these situations, it is important to have your essentials ready to go if you have to evacuate. Have a list or at least know where the following items are in case of emergency.