2/17/2026
🚨 Strong Public Safety Advisory
From the Colfax County Fire Marshal’s Office
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning and High Wind Warnings impacting Colfax County and surrounding areas this week.
🔥 Critical Fire Weather Conditions
• Red Flag Warning: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Today and Wednesday)
• Winds: 30–45 mph sustained, gusts up to 70 mph
• Relative Humidity: As low as 8–20%
• Conditions: Very dry fuels, strong winds, rapidly spreading fire potential
These conditions create an extreme risk for fast-moving wildfires. Any spark could ignite and spread out of control within minutes.
❗ Immediate Public Safety Actions
Effective immediately, residents are strongly urged to:
• ❌ Do NOT conduct any outdoor burning
• ❌ Avoid welding, grinding, or using equipment that creates sparks
• ❌ Do NOT discard cigarettes outdoors
• ❌ Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass
• ✔ Secure trailer chains to prevent roadway sparks
• ✔ Properly dispose of ashes in metal containers
• ✔ Secure loose outdoor items due to high winds
Even routine activities can unintentionally start wildfire under these conditions.
⚠ Additional Wind Hazards
High winds may also:
• Down trees and power lines
• Cause power outages
• Create dangerous travel conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles
• Reduce visibility due to blowing dust
🚫 Possible Burn Ban
If conditions do not improve, a County-wide Burn Ban may be enacted. Residents should prepare for the possibility of official restrictions on all open burning until fire danger subsides. Updates will be provided through official County channels.
🏠 Be Prepared
Residents should:
• Review evacuation plans
• Clear defensible space around homes
• Keep emergency kits accessible
• Monitor official alerts and local emergency communications
The Colfax County Fire Marshal’s Office urges all residents to take this warning seriously. Fire departments may be unable to control fires quickly under these extreme conditions. Prevention is critical.
Stay alert. Stay prepared. Protect Colfax County.
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