Red Flag Warning Issued

A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 10 pm local time

As fire crews battle a blaze in La Plata County it's a reminder that things could get out-of-control here too if a fire was to break out. The fire north of Durango has closed a portion of highway 550 and forced the evacuation of 500 homes in the region. As of this afternoon, the fire was about 900 acres in size.

Due to the high winds and low humidity, the National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for eastern Utah and western Colorado until 10 pm this evening. The warning is..." to inform area firefighting and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion, and rapid spread."

Also too, most of western and southern Colorado has been under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions since early May. A reminder this means that...

During the restrictions, no kind of open burning is allowed, including agricultural burns. Smoking cigarettes outdoors are not allowed unless it's in a car, building or developed recreation site. In addition, campfires, are only allowed in pre-approved campgrounds of enclosed fire pits. Fireworks are also not allowed.

The fine for violating the ban can range from $100 up to $500.

Credit: KKCO11News