Montrose, Colorado – Thick wildfire smoke is creating unhealthy air quality across parts of western Colorado, particularly affecting Delta, Montrose, and southern Mesa counties.
The smoke has pushed air quality into the “unhealthy” range, and the advisory will remain in effect until at least 9 a.m. Friday. Residents in these areas, including from Delta to Nucla, are urged to stay indoors, especially those with heart or respiratory conditions.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the health advisory was issued Thursday at 4 p.m. due to smoke from multiple wildfires in the region.
The smoke is expected to continue drifting across neighborhoods and highways, making outdoor activities risky and visibility potentially drop to less than five miles in the heaviest smoke.
Key Safety Recommendations:
Stay Indoors: Residents, especially those in Delta, Montrose, and Nucla, are advised to avoid outdoor activities and keep windows shut. Using indoor air filtration can help reduce exposure to poor air quality.
Sensitive Groups: Young children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions should limit outdoor time and seek cleaner indoor air. If smoke infiltrates homes and symptoms worsen, it’s recommended to relocate to a safer location.
Travel Alerts: Drivers should be cautious of rapidly changing visibility on local roads, particularly in low-lying areas where smoke may accumulate.
The air quality is expected to remain poor through early Friday morning, and additional advisories may be issued if the wildfires continue to affect the region. Residents should continue to monitor local health updates and take necessary precautions.
