Denver, Colo. – Residents in parts of western and central Colorado are under an air quality health advisory as wildfire smoke lingers through Sunday morning, with state officials warning of unhealthy conditions in several counties.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday for southeastern Dolores, northeastern Montezuma, western Eagle, and eastern Garfield counties. Areas near the Stoner Mesa Fire, including Highway 145 and the Stoner community, are experiencing the heaviest smoke in the southwest. Farther north, smoke from the Derby Fire is drifting into the Colorado River Valley, affecting Sweetwater Lake, Dotsero, and low-lying communities along Colorado River Road.
Health officials urge residents, especially children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions, to limit outdoor activity and remain indoors when smoke thickens. Visibility below five miles is considered an unhealthy threshold. Overnight and early morning hours are expected to bring the worst conditions as smoke settles into valleys.
Those experiencing smoke indoors should consider relocating temporarily. Authorities warn that similar advisories may be issued if fire activity continues to produce heavy smoke.
