After weeks of dry weather and record warmth, the Front Range faces increased wildfire risks due to strong winds forecasted for Wednesday. Denver recently tied a century-old heat record, reaching 68 degrees, marking the seventh consecutive day above 60 degrees. Meteorologist Russell Danielson noted the severe dryness and lack of greenery, with all fuels being extremely dry.
In response to this, counties along the Front Range and Xcel Energy have enacted fire bans and safety measures. A public safety power outage is planned for December 17, affecting areas at high risk for wildfires. Xcel’s director, Andrew Holder, emphasized the importance of communication with customers during these outages, which are in place to prevent wildfire ignition from power lines.
The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty regarding which areas will lose power and the duration of outages. Crews will respond as soon as conditions allow, but restoration times could vary greatly. A severe fire weather warning is in effect, coinciding with the melting snow that has made the area more flammable.
Looking ahead, a cold front is expected to bring snow and cooler temperatures, potentially alleviating some fire danger. Residents are advised to prepare for possible outages by charging devices, setting temperatures in refrigerators and freezers, and practicing alternative garage access.
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