Grand Junction, Colo. – Thick wildfire smoke from the Turner Gulch Fire is clouding skies and worsening air quality across Mesa County, prompting health officials to issue an advisory through 9 a.m. Sunday.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, heavy smoke is affecting areas near the fire in southern Mesa County, especially Gateway and communities along Highway 141. Grand Junction and other populated areas could also see increasing smoke concentrations Saturday evening as winds carry in smoke from both in-state and out-of-state wildfires.
Residents with respiratory conditions, heart disease, or other health vulnerabilities should stay indoors and limit exertion when smoke is visible or when visibility drops below five miles. Air quality is expected to worsen overnight as fire behavior intensifies, with moderate to heavy smoke likely across the region.
If indoor air becomes unhealthy, officials suggest relocating temporarily or using air filtration systems. Outdoor activity should be minimized until conditions improve Sunday morning.
The advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday. Additional alerts may follow if fire activity continues to produce significant smoke.
