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Red Flag Warning Issued for Boulder County
Extremely critical fire conditions prompt alert amid high winds and low humidity
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for eastern Boulder County, Colorado on Tuesday due to 'extremely critical fire weather conditions' including warm temperatures, high winds up to 65 mph, and low humidity as low as 10%. The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for areas below 6,000 feet in elevation, and officials are urging residents to avoid any outdoor burning or activities that could create sparks.
Why it matters
Red flag warnings indicate a high risk of wildfires due to the combination of dry, windy conditions, and are taken very seriously in fire-prone areas like Boulder County. Wildfires can spread rapidly under these conditions, threatening homes and businesses, so officials are proactively restricting open burning to prevent potential ignitions.
The details
The National Weather Service alert states that winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are forecast, along with relative humidity as low as 10%. These weather conditions could promote rapid fire spread, and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office has prohibited open burning and agricultural burning under Stage 1 burn restrictions.
- The red flag warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2026.
The players
National Weather Service
The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing alerts like red flag warnings.
Boulder County Sheriff's Office
The local law enforcement agency that has implemented Stage 1 burn restrictions in response to the critical fire conditions.
What’s next
Officials will continue to monitor the weather and fire risk throughout the day on Tuesday, and may need to take further actions like evacuations if conditions worsen.
The takeaway
This red flag warning underscores the importance of fire prevention and preparedness in fire-prone regions, as even a small spark can quickly grow into a dangerous wildfire under the right weather conditions.
