Wildfire risk is growing as a dry trend continues in Southwest Colorado.
A red flag warning is in effect for Cortez from 11 a.m. Monday to midnight, and from 11 a.m. Tuesday to midnight, according to the National Weather Service. Expect gusty winds and low relative humidity.
A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Fire restrictions remain in place for the San Juan National Forest. All fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal grills and barbecues. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building.
Montezuma County also has a fire ban in effect.
The Steel Canyon Fire north of Norwood has been contained to 60 acres, according to the Bureau of Land Management and Division of Fire Prevention and Control. The fire burned on the Uncompahgre Plateau in Montrose County off Highway 90. Firefighting resources included BLM, Montrose and Telluride firefighters, two engines, a helicopter and two fixed-wing air craft. Crews remain on scene to extinguish small spot fires in the area.
In northern New Mexico, firefighters contained the Lumberton Fire, which has burned 443 acres of Ponderosa pine and brush. The wildfire east of Dulce was started by debris burning. The fire is 100 percent contained and is in patrol status, according to InciWeb.
