Colorado wildfires drive hazardous smoke across the Western Slope

Smoke from five major wildfires — including the Willow, Gold Mountain, Aspen Acres, Ferris and Snyder fires — is blanketing Colorado’s Western Slope. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air‑quality health advisory for more than a dozen counties, with the Air Quality Index exceeding 100 in towns such as Silverthorne, Avon and Basalt and reaching 196 in Leadville, levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and, at times, for the general public.

The Gold Mountain Fire, which ignited near Ouray on June 27, has grown to roughly 28,000 acres, prompting evacuations in Ouray County (about 5,000 residents) and a disaster emergency declaration by Governor Jared Polis. Fire crews are battling the blaze with helicopters, tanker planes and ground crews, while shelters have been opened at the Ouray County Fairgrounds and Ridgway Secondary School. The persistent smoke is degrading air quality throughout the region and officials advise residents to stay indoors and limit physical activity, especially those with heart or respiratory conditions.