Durango, Colorado – Heavy wildfire smoke is blanketing Southwest Colorado, leaving cities from Durango to Gunnison under an air quality health advisory until 9 a.m. Saturday. Residents in areas including Montrose, Cortez, Telluride, and Pagosa Springs could see reduced visibility and increased health risks as smoke from multiple wildfires settles in.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the advisory covers Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, Mineral, Archuleta, Mesa, Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, Rio Grande, and Conejos Counties. Air quality is expected to worsen when smoke is heaviest, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
Communities such as Lake City, Creede, Nucla, Ouray, Dove Creek, Hermosa, and Del Norte may experience moderate to heavy smoke, making outdoor activities unsafe—especially for children, older adults, and anyone with heart or respiratory conditions. If visibility drops below five miles or the smell of smoke is strong indoors, public health officials urge residents to stay inside, run air filters, and limit exertion. Those feeling ill should consider relocating temporarily until air quality improves.
With smoke likely to linger through early Saturday, residents should expect updates as conditions change.
