SIDNEY - Volunteer fire department chiefs in Ogallala, Bushnell, Dix, Kimball, Potter, Bayard, Chappell and Sidney have issued fire bans for their respective districts. 

Outdoor burning, along with any activities that may produce a spark and start a fast moving wildfire, should be avoided until further notice. 

Northeast Colorado was in a red flag warning for wind and low relative humidity until 7 p.m. Thursday. Any fire that develops will have the potential to spread rapidly.

Ogallala Fire Chief Dell Simmerman said the area is in a severe drought and has the same potential as other areas of the state  that have already had major fires.

"The long range forecast into July is not favorable, according to the weather service meteorologists we have consulted, so we are carefully evaluating the local fireworks display and possible cancellation," Simmerman said.

President of the volunteer fire department in Sidney, Nick Sutton said the fire bans will continue until the panhandle gets moisture from rain or snow.

Sutton said as of now all Fourth of July firework celebrations are still permitted but could change if the areas do not receive enough moisture for fireworks to be safe.