Wildfires in western Colorado could intensify today

Smoke from several wildfires is impacting western Colorado today.

The Grease Fire, Lee Fire, Elk Fire, and Coulter Creek Fire are burning in northwest Colorado. An Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke is in effect until 9 am Tuesday for eastern parts of Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties, along with the entirety of Routt and Eagle Counties. Areas close to the fires will obviously see periods of moderate to heavy smoke today, including the Meeker area.  

Webcam view from Eagle County Airport facing southwest. Smoke is visible on the horizon. Image courtesy of FAA Weathercams.

Additionally, dry and windy weather is on tap for today. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for a large portion of western Colorado, as well as parts of Wyoming and Utah. This means that any new or existing fires could grow quickly today and produce large amounts of smoke. We will be closely watching areas well downwind of the fires today, including Steamboat Springs which could see an increase in smoke later this afternoon and into this evening. 

If you are particularly sensitive to smoke, it's a good idea to take steps to protect your health.