An unseasonably warm December in Colorado Springs has carried over into the first days of the new year, bringing sunny, breezy conditions and a red flag fire warning.

The nearly springlike temperatures and gusty winds kept fire crews busy as they responded to multiple blazes over the weekend.

At about 2:30 p.m. Sunday, a grass fire near Stanton and Eagle Rock roads near the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus burned about 1 acre. The fire, which started just south of Pulpit Rock Park, came perilously close to homes, Fire Department officials said.

On Sunday evening, crews found at least 10 grass fires on the northbound side of Interstate 25, between the Nevada Avenue and Cimarron Street exits. Crews doused the flames and remained on scene afterward, checking for hot spots.

The National Weather Service in Pueblo issued a red flag warning for Monday until 5 p.m., citing optimal conditions for a rapid fire spread. The warning was for southern El Paso County, including Fort Carson and Colorado Springs.

“A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior,” the weather agency warned.

In a social media post, the Fire Department warned residents to avoid any activity that might create a spark.

“One mistake is all it takes,” officials posted on X. “Let’s keep today boring.”

The forecast

Colorado Springs residents can expect more unusually warm and dry conditions through Wednesday, according to the Weather Service.

Monday is expected to be sunny with a high of 61 degrees and wind speeds ranging from 5-20 mph throughout the day. Tuesday and Wednesday will bring more of the same, with temperatures forecast to reach 57 degrees on both days.

Thursday offers a 50% chance of snow showers and a high of 43 degrees. Snow showers could continue into Friday morning, the weather agency said.

Home fire

Crews on Sunday night responded to a structure fire in the 800 block of Marlstone Place, near Uintah Street and Mesa Road. Firefighters were able to find the starting point of the blaze and extinguish it without any injuries to residents. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.