A combination of the hottest August on state record and dry conditions has increased the danger of wildfires throughout the state. The U.S. Forrest Service says it has battled 1220 wildfires in Colorado so far this season.

Friday, the Governor’s office urged residents of the state to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires. Specifically, they say, the Western Slope is at the highest risk over the upcoming holiday weekend.

KKTV 11 News Meteorologist Branden Borremans says that despite the ongoing drought in Southern Colorado, fire danger is less of a concern this weekend because of the below normal temperatures we’re expecting.

Still, it doesn’t take much to start a wildfire in these dry conditions, so everyone is asked to be careful.