Wildfires adding to air quality concerns in Colorado
Jul 31, 2024, 12:15 PM
BLACK FOREST, CO - JUNE 12: In this handout photo provided by the U.S. Army, Pilots and crewmembers of the United States Army release water onto the burning fires during their bambi bucket mission on June 12, 2013 in Black Forest, Colorado. The fire has burned over 15,000 acres, and has claimed 360 homes, forcing at least 38,000 people to evacuate. (Photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault/U.S. Army via Getty Images)
(Photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault/U.S. Army via Getty Images)
Smoke from wildfires in Colorado and other states is adding to existing air quality concerns, with high ozone, high particle pollution and periodical heavy smoke expected to last a few days.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Regional Air Quality Council issued a Action Day Alert due to multiple pollutants until late today for Douglas County north to Larimer and Weld counties, including the Denver-Boulder area, Fort Collins and Greeley.
CDPHE said it could get worse, ozone concentrations are expected to be in the moderate to unhealthy range Wednesday. Smoke from other fires in the U.S. is impacting air quality on the Front Range as well.
We have been encouraged to remain aware and cautious in regard to heavy physical exertion, especially when outdoors, due to heat and air quality that will effect Colorado in the coming days according to the CDPHE.
CDPHE also said people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion in the moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups range.
