Montrose, Colorado – Thick wildfire smoke is blanketing parts of western Colorado, sending air quality into the unhealthy range for Delta, Montrose, and southern Mesa counties until at least 9 a.m. Friday. Residents from Delta to Nucla are being urged to stay indoors, especially those with heart or respiratory conditions.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, a health advisory is now in effect due to smoke from multiple wildfires burning across the region. The advisory, issued at 4 p.m. Thursday, will remain in place through Friday morning, as moderate to heavy smoke continues to drift across neighborhoods and highways.
The advisory covers communities including Delta, Montrose, and Nucla, where visibility may drop below five miles in the thickest smoke. Residents are encouraged to avoid outdoor activities, keep windows shut, and use indoor air filtration if possible. Health officials recommend that sensitive groups—including young children, older adults, and anyone with pre-existing heart or lung issues—limit time outside and seek cleaner indoor air. If smoke makes its way indoors and symptoms worsen, consider relocating until air quality improves.
Anyone traveling on local roads should be alert for rapidly changing visibility, particularly in low-lying areas. Officials warn that air quality could remain poor through early Friday, with additional advisories possible if wildfires continue.
