Smoke and Red Flag Conditions Today

We know what you're thinking - "Shouldn't fire season be over by now?" Sure, October is a little late for all this smoke and heat. While we wait for Autumn to get its act together, let's dig into today's smoke situation.

First, Smoke from the Yellow Lake Fire in Utah has moved into Western Colorado. Purple Air sensors show elevated particulate matter concentrations in Meeker, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, and Aspen. Satellite imagery shows smoke over Rio Blanco, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin, Delta, and Gunnison counties. In these locations, you might consider limiting exercise, staying indoors, and closing your windows to reduce how much smoke you're breathing in. Additionally, you can find more tips on our website to protect your health from smoke.

Second, on the Front Range, the air is comparatively clearer, but, light smoke still lingers. Fires are still burning in Wyoming, and that smoke is still moving into Colorado. Particulate matter is expected to be in the Good to Moderate range today in Fort Collins, Greeley, Denver, and Colorado Springs.

Finally, hot, windy, and dry conditions are on tap today for a large section of Colorado. Several counties- primarily in northeast Colorado- are under a Red Flag Warning until 7 pm Saturday evening. Any new fires that spark may spread rapidly. 

CDPHE is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. 

Smoke (in gray) is visible in eastern Utah and western Colorado. The eastern plains, in comparison, are much cleaner.