Air quality advisory remains in effect near the Aspen Acres fire

A smoke plume coming off the Aspen Acres fire Monday morning. Image courtesy of RAMMB/CIRA at Colorado State University

Remaining hot and dry for Monday and Tuesday at the Aspen Acres fire where an Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect. Smoke remains a public health issue in the communities of Beulah, Colorado City, and Rye in southwestern Pueblo County. Heavy smoke in these areas is most likely during the mornings. Keep an eye on air quality monitors in this area so you can go outside at times where the smoke is not quite as heavy. 

Downwind smoke impacts will also be possible starting Monday afternoon for locations to the west of the fire. Stay alert to quickly changing air quality conditions in Westcliffe today. Some smoke may even get as far west as the San Luis Valley, including Alamosa.

One other fire that is producing periods of heavy smoke is the Willow fire in Lake County near Leadville. Smoke from this fire is mostly a problem during the mornings, particularly in southern parts of Lake County. So if you reside in the Twin Lakes area, it's likely a good idea to close your windows before you go to bed at night and limit your time outdoors during the mornings. If possible, delay outside time until the afternoons when the smoke has had time to clear.