04/22/2026
Custer County will be under a **Red Flag Warning** warning tomorrow (Wednesday April 22), and this is not a typical event. The National Weather Service has designated this as a **“Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS)”**—a rare classification used for the most extreme fire conditions. This is expected between 2PM and 7PM. We believe this PDS event is the first time it has ever been issued in Colorado.
This warning automatically triggers our **highest level of fire restrictions**: **NO burning of any kind.** Conditions are critical, and even a small spark—from chainsaws, driving through dry grass, welding, or other activities—could quickly turn into a fast-moving wildfire. We cannot afford preventable mistakes.
**What you should do now:**
Take time tonight to prepare in case evacuation becomes necessary. Decide what you will take, gather essential items, and make a plan with your family. Secure loose objects around your property, as wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected. Move any flammable materials away from your home.
**What your county is doing:**
County officials met this evening via phone to coordinate response efforts. The Sheriff’s Office will have deputies and volunteer posse members actively patrolling for smoke and reporting precise locations to fire crews.
Custer County Road & Bridge will have all four water tenders filled and ready for immediate response.
Wet Mountain FPD will have four personnel staged at the station and an additional four firefighters on standby for rapid deployment.
**Emergency Alerts:**
If you are not already signed up for Everbridge, please do so tonight or first thing in the morning. This system allows us to send emergency notifications, including evacuation orders, directly to you.
Sign up here: https://member.everbridge.net/355009111785665/login
Scroll down and click **CREATE ACCOUNT** to add your phone numbers, email, and text alerts.
Stay alert, stay prepared, and help us keep Custer County safe.
