Fire Bans Being Issued As Colorado Dries Out
DENVER (CBS4) - It's the first day of fall but it still feels like summer across Colorado.
An abnormally dry and warm weather pattern that has dominated for the past few weeks is expected to last several more days and that has fire managers concerned.
Fire bans are now in effect for several areas along the Front Range including Larimer County, Boulder County along and west of Highway 36, and unincorporated Arapahoe County, including the City of Centennial and Cherry Creek State Park. Gilpin County will enact a fire ban at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
The latest map from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that while Colorado was still drought free as of Sept. 15, areas of abnormally dry conditions are developing.
Abnormally dry is similar to pre-drought, or the stage just before drought conditions are declared.
There are signs that the weather pattern may finally start to shift toward a cooler and more wet scenario as the calendar turns to October next week, but until we get there, several more hot days are in store.
Denver is currently on track to record the hottest September on record, beating the previous record in 1948 by nearly two degrees.
Some places along and east of Interstate 25 could see temperatures flirt with record highs by this weekend, including Denver.
With an abundant amount of vegetation due to the wet early spring and summer conditions there is plenty of fuel around to feed a fire.
Areas under a burn ban are being asked to limit outdoor activities that produce sparks or flames. Slash fires, fireworks, model rockets and outdoor burning in general is also prohibited.
Some areas within fire bans are allowing for campfires in approved locations. If in doubt about what you can and can't do please check with local authorities.
Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.
