Xcel Energy is warning residents along Colorado’s Front Range that power could be temporarily shut off as early as Wednesday due to escalating wildfire risk driven by severe weather conditions. The utility company is closely monitoring the situation and may implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a precautionary measure designed to prevent wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger.

The warning comes amid a combination of dry vegetation, unusually warm temperatures, and strong winds that have pushed fire risk to critical levels. According to Xcel Energy, wind speeds have reached the 99th percentile of historical data, while relative humidity has dropped below 20%—both key indicators of heightened wildfire threat.

Andrew Holder, Xcel Energy’s Director of Community Relations, said the company is actively tracking environmental conditions including wind speed, humidity, and fuel moisture levels to determine if and when a power shutoff becomes necessary. If implemented, the outages could last anywhere from one to four hours.

To reduce wildfire risks, Xcel has also activated its Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings across high-risk areas. This system automatically shuts off power if a disturbance—such as a tree branch hitting a line—is detected, further limiting the chance of a spark igniting a fire.

The areas under closest watch include Douglas and Arapahoe counties, where local governments have already taken steps to mitigate fire risk. Douglas County has enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, which limit open burning and other fire-prone activities. Arapahoe County has gone further, issuing a Stage 2 Burn Ban that prohibits all open flames, including campfires and fireworks.

In the backdrop of this current threat is the memory of the devastating Marshall Fire, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes in Boulder County in December 2021. Xcel Energy recently agreed to a $640 million settlement over claims related to that fire, underscoring the serious consequences that can arise when power infrastructure intersects with extreme weather.

Xcel Energy emphasized that any decisions regarding power shutoffs will be made with community safety as the top priority. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the company’s website, where updates will be posted as conditions evolve.

As of now, no shutoffs have taken place, but officials urge the public to prepare for the possibility and to follow any local fire restrictions currently in effect.