DENVER, Colo. — State health officials have issued an air quality health advisory for parts of western and central Colorado as wildfire smoke continues to blanket the region, creating unhealthy breathing conditions in several areas.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced that the advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday for:
-
Southeastern Dolores County
-
Northeastern Montezuma County
-
Western Eagle County
-
Eastern Garfield County
Areas Most Affected
-
Stoner Mesa Fire Zone: Communities near Highway 145 and the Stoner area are seeing the heaviest smoke in the southwest.
-
Derby Fire Impact: In the north, smoke is drifting into the Colorado River Valley, affecting Sweetwater Lake, Dotsero, and low-lying neighborhoods along Colorado River Road.
Health Risks and Safety Recommendations
Health officials urge residents, particularly children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions, to:
-
Stay indoors when smoke levels rise
-
Limit outdoor activity during poor air quality periods
-
Monitor visibility — conditions are considered unhealthy when visibility drops below five miles
-
Relocate temporarily if smoke seeps indoors and worsens breathing difficulties
Overnight and early morning hours are expected to bring the worst air quality as smoke settles into valleys.
Ongoing Threat
Authorities caution that additional advisories may be issued if wildfire activity continues to generate heavy smoke. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on local alerts and follow official health guidance.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
Leave a Reply