Colorado issues health advisory as Utah and Nevada wildfire smoke blankets mountains

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air‑quality health advisory for the Western Slope and mountain communities, covering Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin, Mesa, Delta and several other counties. The advisory, in effect through Thursday morning, cites smoke from three large out‑of‑state wildfires in Utah (Cottonwood, Iron and Hastings) and Nevada (Grapevine and Kane Springs), as well as local fires such as the Dry Creek Fire near Rifle. AQI readings have risen above 150 in Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs, indicating unhealthy conditions, while Vail recorded values above 100 and the Front Range around 80.

Health officials advise residents—especially those with heart or respiratory conditions, children and older adults—to stay indoors, limit outdoor activity, and consider temporary relocation if indoor smoke becomes severe. Stage 2 fire restrictions, banning open flames and campfires, will begin Friday in Pitkin, Garfield and other affected counties. A fire‑weather watch has also been issued for Saturday, warning of gusty winds, low humidity and rapid fire spread.