A red flag warning is in effect in parts of Southwest Colorado from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday because of expected gusty winds, low humidity and dry fuels, the National Weather Service said on Wednesday.
The affected area includes western Montezuma, Dolores, San Miguel, Montrose and La Plata counties.
By early afternoon, southern winds are expected to increase to 15-25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph in parts of Southwest Colorado. Relative humidity is expected to be 10-15 percent.
A red flag warning means that conditions are ideal for wildfires to start and spread rapidly.