At least a half-dozen central and western U.S. states were undera severe fire threaton Monday, Feb. 16, as forecasters warn that high winds, warmer temperatures and low humidity are elevating the threat of wildfires in dry regions there.
Red flag warnings were active across counties in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas and Nebraska, according toan advisory issuedby the National Weather Service.
The warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly, forecasters said, and that the threat of fire is high in those areas and people should be both alert and proactive.
Winds across some the region could reach maximum speeds of 70 mph, the weather service said, and temperatures may hit the mid-80s.
RED FLAG Warning are in effect both Today and Tomorrow for a good part of the region. Please do not do anything which could cause a spark.#cowxpic.twitter.com/0VErDPmnXi
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo)February 16, 2026
Nearly the entire region is experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions, according to theU.S. Drought Monitor.
The advisory was in effect through as early as 5 p.m. on Feb. 17 through as late as 9 p.m. in some areas.
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Which states have a red flag warning right now?
The weather service reported counties in the following states were under a red flag warning as of Feb. 16:
Colorado
Kansas
Nebraska
New Mexico
Texas
Wyoming
Tips if you live in an area with a red flag warning
Forecasters as well as fire officials in those states with a red flag warninghave shared the following tipswhile the warning is in effect:
Do not burn outdoor fires
Never leave a fire unattended
Do not toss cigarettes on the ground
Do not drive through dry vegetation
Keep grass and vegetation short and watered
Contributing: Christopher Cann and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Wildfire threat: 'Red flag warning' issued for 6 central US states
