"Pictures coming in from all over town on the Lower North Fork Fire in Jeffco," @DenverChannel tweeted. By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist
Mar 27, 2012; 5:50 AM ET
A lack of precipitation, warmth and increasing winds will elevate the wildfire danger over portions of the Plains into tonight.A storm, also bringing the risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, was tracking along the United States/Canada border. The storm was creating a strong wind flow and warmth on its southern side.
Dry grass and brush in the region, combined with the strong winds would greatly fan the flames of any fires.
People are urged to use extreme caution with outdoor power equipment and using open flames in the region.
Do not throw burning cigarettes out the car window. Do not park vehicles over tall brush as the hot exhaust can ignite the brush beneath.
The strongest winds will be over the northern Plains, but the fire danger extends southward into northwestern Texas.
The weather pattern will deliver much less wind is in store for the entire region later tonight and Wednesday. However, local conditions, especially near existing fires, can cause problematic breezes.
Lower North Fork Wildfire
As of the midday hours this afternoon, the Lower North Fork Fire was raging out of control in Colorado and had consumed at least 4,500 acres of the foothills of the Front Range.
The fire in Jefferson County has claimed at least two lives and has forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes about 20 miles southwest of Denver. Over a dozen structures have been destroyed in the blaze.
According to the Denver Post, the fire was the result of a smoldering controlled burn set by the Colorado Forest Service last week. Strong winds on Monday, gusting past 50 mph, helped to reignite the fire.
Winds in the area were significantly less than Monday, but were still causing problems and were expected to greatly drop off tonight. Much stronger winds existed farther to the east over the Plains today.
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