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December 17, 2025

UPDATE: High fire risk Dec. 17, travel safety tips during high winds, charging facilities available

High fire risk today, and throughout the week

• A Red Flag Warning is issued for Wednesday, Dec. 17, in Boulder County.
  • Open burning is not allowed anywhere in Boulder County all day and similar conditions are expected to last for the next few days.
  • Red Flag Warnings mean warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
  • Avoid any outdoor activities that may cause a spark or flame (no campfires, charcoal grills, slash burns, outdoor welding, parking in high grass, etc.). Do not throw cigarettes or matches outdoors. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
• Register for emergency alerts.
  • Sign-up at www.bocoalert.org and/or by downloading and using the ReachWell app.
  • Brush up on your knowledge of how emergency alerts are sent, and what they mean by reviewing this graphic.
• Create an evacuation plan – this should include at least two types of transportation you could use, multiple routes you could take, and where you would stay or meet up with loved ones.

For updates, these are your go-to resources:

• Continue to check Boulder ODM emergency status updates for important messages 
• Latest Xcel Energy public safety power shutoff event update 
• Xcel Energy outage map 
• Sign up for Xcel Energy alerts 
• Sign up for emergency alerts via BOCO Alert (or via Reachwell, which can provide emergency alerts in over 100 languages) 
• Sign up for email alerts from the City of Louisville

Prepare for dangerous travel conditions, traffic signals down

Today is a great day to stay off the roads! The Colorado Department of Transportation is urging motorists to prepare for dangerous travel conditions as high winds are forecast to impact the Front Range.

• High winds may also lead to power outages, which could result in traffic signal failures at intersections.
• If traffic lights are dark or flashing, motorists must treat the intersection like a four-way stop. Slow down, come to a complete stop, and proceed only when it is safe and your turn.
• Reduce speed and keep both hands firmly on the wheel
• Be alert for sudden gusts, especially when passing larger vehicles
• Give high-profile vehicles plenty of room on the roadway
• Do not overcorrect if you get blown off course by a short gust
• Watch for debris in travel lanes and changing road conditions
• Avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind periods, if possible, especially for semi-trucks, light-weighing and smaller vehicles
• Once you are at your destination, park away from trees and power lines
• As always, if you have an emergency, call 911.

Recreation & Senior Center, Public Library available as charging stations

NOTE: If these facilities lose power, they do not have backup power and will not be available as charging stations.

Anyone is welcome to the following City of Louisville facilities to charge devices for free. Please see facility information and details below. Free childcare is not available at either location.

Louisville Recreation & Senior Center
900 West Via Appia, Louisville CO
Hours for drop-in charging: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Electric vehicle charging spots: 2

Louisville Public Library
951 Spruce Street, Louisville CO
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Electric vehicle charging spots: 2

Stay prepared for outages

Due to the high winds, we encourage you to remain prepared for unplanned power outages throughout the week.

Due to the elevated risk of wildfire, Xcel Energy expects to activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS). When EPSS are activated, power lines are more sensitive and can instantly stop the flow of energy if an issue is detected, like a tree branch or other object touching the line. While this is not a planned outage, activation of these settings can cause power outages.

• As always, if you have an emergency, call 911. If you need assistance from police or fire services that is not an emergency, call 303-441-4444.
• Traffic signals may lose power. If a traffic signal is out, please treat the intersection like a four-way stop.
• Prepare now and lean into your support system of neighbors, friends, and family
• Build an emergency kit (learn more at BoulderODM.gov) which includes battery powered lighting (flashlight, lantern, etc.) and extra batteries
• Reduce fire risk activities
• Check on neighbors, friends, and family, especially older adults and those living alone

City of Louisville facility closures

All City facilities are currently operating as normal. Keep an eye on your inbox and social media in the event that facilities must close due to loss of power or other service interruptions.

Event & meeting cancellations 

The Sustainability Advisory Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday remains canceled.