(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Hope you’ve been holding onto your hats, as the new year is blowing in with a red flag warning. With the high winds, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) responded to at least six outdoor fires on Dec. 30.

“It could send an ember to a home. If the gutter is not cleaned, it could set that home on fire. So we are really, really urging everyone to refrain from any burning outside,” said Ashley Franco, the CSFD Public Information Officer.

Just outside a Safeway on North Circle Drive, a discarded cigarette started a grass fire.

“We always say, ‘keep your butt in your car’, so keep your cigarette butt in your car if you’re driving and smoking. If you’re outside and smoking, please please ensure that your cigarettes are properly disposed of. Those cause fires more often than you would think, especially on a day like today,” said Franco.

A shift in the wind put nearby homes at risk, but no structures were damaged thanks to the hard work of CSFD who had extra resources out just in case.

“We’re in a wildfire Season 365 days out of the year here in Colorado,” said Franco.

Although 30 responders were able to keep the fire at about two acres, CSFD says it’s just another example of why people need to be careful and stay aware.

“Historically some of our biggest fires have happened in the winter months, in January. We are no stranger to those fires here. Additionally, today is the anniversary of the Marshall fire. We lost almost a thousand structures in the Marshall fire, and we had very similar conditions (today),” said Franco.

With the New Year approaching, the department wants to remind everyone that fireworks are illegal within city limits.

If you are interested in seeing fireworks for the holiday, CSFD says leave it up to the experts and enjoy the show taking place on top of Pikes Peak at 9:00 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 31.