Improving air quality.......slowly

 The EPA's Fire and Smoke Map shows a lot less orange than it did at this time yesterday.  Wildfire smoke is comprised of fine particulates (PM2.5), and orange on the map corresponds to air quality that is considered "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups".  So that is good news.  But there is still far too much yellow on the map to our liking, which is considered "Moderate" air quality.  This is especially true for the eastern half of the state where surface level smoke has been stubborn and continues to linger in many areas this morning.  We are happy to see many more green ("Good" air quality) shadings in western Colorado.

Fortunately smoke levels should continue to gradually drop off today, but in the meantime we do suggest taking a few extra steps to protect your health (especially for those east of the Continental Divide).  Breathing in wildfire smoke can have lingering health impacts on your body even after the air quality has improved.  This is especially true for those that do suffer from heart or lung disease, older adults, and children.  Please visit our Wildfire smoke and health webpage to get more information on how to best protect the health of yourself and your loved ones.