Smoke expands in western Colorado

Wildfires have been the story for western Colorado since Thursday. Today, more Coloradans will be impacted by smoke.

Southern Mesa County has been smoky since Friday, but Grand Junction has been clear. Today, that changes- residents in Grand Junction are waking up to smoke.

Haze in Grand Junction this morning. Image courtesy of FAA Weathercams.

The Air Quality Health Advisory has expanded to include all of Mesa County, Hinsdale County, and San Juan County. Grand Junction, Silverton, and Lake City are now included in the advisory area.

An Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect for part of western Colorado.

The South Rim, Sowbelly, Turner Gulch, Wright Draw, and Deer Creek Fires are impacting air quality in western Colorado. 

The best chance for smoke is expected in areas near and downwind of the fires. Westerly to northwesterly winds are forecast for today. This means that locations east and southeast of the fires are likely to see the worst of it. 

If you are particularly sensitive to smoke, it's a good idea to take steps to protect your health today. You can stay up-to-date on the latest fire and smoke conditions on EPA's Fire and Smoke Map or InciWeb.