Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect!

Smoke Ready

Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke

Issued for Moffat, Routt, Grand, Rio Blanco, Eagle, Summit, Garfield, Pitkin, Mesa, Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, Mineral, Archuleta, Morgan, Elbert, Huerfano, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Chaffee, Jackson, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Lake, Park, Teller, Fremont and Custer Counties

Issued at 8:01 AM MDT, Thursday, August 6, 2026

Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Affected Area: Moffat, Routt, Grand, Rio Blanco, Eagle, Summit, Garfield, Pitkin, Mesa, Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, Mineral, Archuleta, Morgan, Elbert, Huerfano, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Chaffee, Jackson, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Lake, Park, Teller, Fremont and Custer Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Grand Junction, Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, Cortez, Durango, Hermosa, Honeyville, Rockwood, Saguache, Silverton, Lake City, Creede, Pagosa Springs, Fort Morgan, Kiowa, Walsenburg, Del Norte, South Fork, Alamosa, San Luis, Conejos, Buena Vista, Salida, Walden, Central City, Georgetown, Leadville, Fairplay, Cripple Creek, Canon City and Westcliffe.

Advisory in Effect: 9:00 AM MDT, Thursday, August 6, 2026 to 9:00 AM MDT, Friday, August 7, 2026

Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Outlook: Areas of moderate to heavy smoke, from in-state and out-of-state wildfires, will be possible across the advisory area through at least Friday morning.

Smoke is Serious

Smoke from wildfires is more than a temporary nuisance. It can cause or exacerbate serious health issues. Eye and lung irritation can worsen to reduced lung function, bronchitis, asthma attacks, heart failure, and even neurological disorders.

Children, women who are pregnant, older adults, diabetics, and those with preexisting respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable to smoke exposure.

Smoke is made up of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic smoke particles can penetrate deep into lungs.

During times when smoke levels are high, remain indoors as much as possible and keep indoor air clean. Air filters are a great way to improve indoor air quality. See below for an inexpensive DIY air cleaner option. Keep doors and windows closed if possible when smoke becomes thick in your neighborhood, but only if it does not cause your home to become too hot. If you must be outdoors when smoke is present, consider wearing an N95 mask. Surgical masks, cloth masks, and bandannas do not protect you from smoke particles.

Eagle County has created guidance that gives recommended actions based on air quality conditions. Check it out:

General public

Events

Schools and childcares

Visit the Eagle County Public Health or CDC website for more information on protecting yourself from smoke.

Vector image of air passing through a screen that filters pollutants.

Air Cleaner

Purchase or make an air cleaner. View a list of recommended air cleaners. You can also make an effective air cleaner following the directions below or visit the EPA's website.

Vector image of a gauge all the way to the right.

Air Quality Alert

Sign up to receive Colorado air quality advisories from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division.

Air Quality Map

See the air quality of your community in real-time. Bookmark fire.airnow.gov and/or purpleair.com.

Vector image of air circulating within a house.

Adaptable Activities

Plan adaptable activities. When the outdoor air quality deteriorates, have alternatives planned so you can quickly pivot to something fun indoors. Here are some ideas for kids and adults.

DIY Air Cleaner to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors" instructional graphic. The left side lists materials: a 20" x 20" air filter (suggested MERV 13 rating), a 20" x 20" box fan (certified with UL or ETL marking, 2012 model or newer), and attachment options including clamps, duct tape, or bungee cords. Illustrations of these items are included. The right side provides assembly steps: 1) Attach the air filter to the back of the box fan using clamps, duct tape, or bungee cords. 2) Ensure correct air flow direction as indicated on the filter. 3) Replace filters when dirty.

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