Colorado Fire May Spread with High Winds, Warmth

In this aerial photograph, smoke rises from the Lower North Fork Wildfire as it burns near the foothills community of Conifer, Colo., southwest of Denver on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By Meghan Evans, Meteorologist

Mar 30, 2012; 8:48 AM ET

High winds, warmth and low humidity will make the battle against the Lower North Forks Wildfire more difficult for fire fighters this weekend.
The gusty winds will continue to whip the area today, threatening to spread the blaze, which is burning near Conifer, Colo., about 20 miles southwest of Denver.
The wildfire has charred nearly 4,100 acres of the foothills of the Front Range. As of early Friday, the fire was approximately 45 percent contained.
Hundreds of firefighters were frantically trying to gain control of the blaze before the high winds, warmth and low humidity pose the biggest risk of the fire spreading this weekend.
According to the Denver Post, two people have been killed by the fire and one woman is missing.
More than two dozen homes have already been damaged or destroyed.
Winds, Record Warmth, Low Humidity Pose High Fire Danger
Warm, southwesterly winds will become very strong over the weekend as a storm pushes across the interior West.

According to Expert Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, "Winds can get cranking there Friday with temperatures will spike over the weekend, so the danger factor could really increase."
Gusts of more than 40 mph from the south and southwest can occur late today and Saturday.
"Winds of this magnitude can rapidly fan the flames or carry burning embers to unburned locations," Sosnowski added.
The highest wind gusts, surpassing 60 mph, are anticipated on Sunday and Monday.
High temperatures will challenge record highs across the region through the weekend, adding to the dangers. Humidity will also be very low, so there will be tinder-dry fuel for the fire to feed on.

Colorado Fire May Spread with High Winds, Warmth