Wildfires and Health

Wildfires in the region may compromise local air quality and certain health precautions are advised. Click here for an EPA factsheet. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. As a general rule, if visibility is less than five miles in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that may be unhealthy, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly.

For Colorado wildfire smoke health advisories and outlooks, visit www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_advisory.aspx and www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx.

For additional health precautions related to wildfires and air quality, visit: www.colorado.gov/airquality/wildfire.aspx or click here for guidelines for protecting your health during smoke events.

For updates on fires in our area, visit La Plata County’s Emergency Information page at www.co.laplata.co.us/emergency.