Dinosaur Fire update

 Fire crews did an outstanding job containing the Dinosaur Fire which started yesterday in close vicinity to south Boulder and the National Center for Atmospheric Research laboratories.  We issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke yesterday in anticipation of smoke draining from the fire overnight into south Boulder.  Fortunately, it appears the smoke is not overly heavy as evidenced by several air quality monitors located below the fire reading only light to moderate levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).  Therefore, we will allow the advisory for southern Boulder County to expire this morning at 9am.  However, we will continue to monitor the Dinosaur Fire and all potential fire starts around the state throughout the weekend.  The air quality is already compromised due to transported smoke from out-of-state wildfires, so additional smoke from in-state wildfires could quickly make air quality conditions much worse.

Air quality monitoring near the Dinosaur Fire in south Boulder.  Data provided by the Environmenal Protection Agency's Fire and Smoke Map

Hazy start to a hot weekend

Hazy skies are greeting Coloradoans Saturday morning as the view from the top of Copper Mountain attests.  A conveyor belt of smoke continues to be transported from distant fires in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho into Colorado.  Although smoke concentrations are not overly heavy, health impacts could still be noticeable due the extreme heat we are experiencing.  Additionally, high ozone is anticipated in the northern Front Range region Saturday afternoon, particularly in and near the Denver metro area.

We do anticipate some of the higher smoke levels to settle into the northern Front Range region, including Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins, Greeley, and surrounding areas, during the afternoon hours on Saturday.  You may notice the visibility around the area degrade during the afternoon and perhaps you may experience some symptoms associated with increasing levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).  

Individuals with heart and/or lung disease should remain especially cautious this weekend and remain indoors during the hottest part of the day when both the heat and air quality will likely be at it's worst.  Even those that are considered healthy should consider making changes to their scheduling of active outdoor time, if possible.  The morning hours or towards sunset would be the better options for getting outside for any type of exercise.

The good news?  It appears the upper level winds will begin to shift late in the weekend and early in the work week which will cut off the flow from out-of-state wildfires.  So better air air quality will likely coincide with the cooler temperatures that are also expected to arrive.

Hazy sunrise from the top of Copper Mountain.  Image courtesy of the Federal Aviation Administration

Dinosaur Fire burning in Boulder County

The Dinosaur Fire, near the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) just southwest of Boulder, was reported this afternoon. Smoke is visible from Boulder. In the afternoon, smoke will likely loft into the upper atmosphere, but as the sun begins to set and daytime mixing decreases, smoke will settle in the nearby areas. South Boulder may experience moderate to possibly heavy smoke on Friday night into Saturday morning.

An Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke is in effect until at least 9 am Saturday for Boulder County. While the smoke itself is not expected to cause widespread public health impacts, there are other factors at play which can worsen the health effects of smoke. The fire's proximity to a large population center, the ongoing Ozone Action Day Alert, and extreme heat in the forecast can all enhance the health effects of smoke. If you are sensitive to heat or smoke, it's best to stay indoors and avoid heavy exercise.

For more information on how to protect your health, CDPHE's website has resources for protecting your health during extreme heat and protecting your health during a wildfire smoke event, and the effects of ozone pollution on your health.

Smoke from the Dinosaur Fire is visible from Boulder. (Source: City of Boulder Disaster Management)

Smoke and Extreme Heat in Store for the Weekend

Here comes the smoke... and heat. This week, much of the western US has experienced extreme heat, and thick smoke. A high pressure ridge situated over the West has been the primary cause of this unrelenting weather. That ridge is moving into Colorado, bringing a heat wave and smoky skies.

On Friday, smoke is expected to move into northern and western Colorado. While most of this smoke will remain in the upper atmosphere, some may mix down to the surface, primarily in northern Colorado. Light to moderate smoke is possible in counties along the Colorado/ Wyoming border. However, most locations will notice hazy skies with limited impacts to air quality.

Smoke is expected to increase this weekend throughout the entire Front Range. Light to moderate smoke is possible from Fort Collins to Pueblo on Saturday. Currently, no major public health impacts are expected, but CDPHE will issue and Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke if conditions worsen.

In addition to the smoke, much of eastern Colorado will experience temperatures above 100 degrees this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for many counties on the Front Range and the eastern Plains.

Very hot temperatures along with smoke may exacerbate health issues in sensitive individuals. If you are sensitive to either heat or smoke, reduce your time outdoors, if possible. CDPHE's website has information for how to protect your health during extreme heat and how to protect your health during a wildfire smoke event.

Visible satellite imagery shows smoke  in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, which is expected to move into Colorado Friday and Saturday. (Source: https://rammb-slider.cira.colostate.edu/)

Smoke Set to Arrive in Colorado Today

Moderate to heavy smoke has blanketed much of North America this week, and today Colorado is expected to join the party. The ridge of high pressure which has been situated over the western United States will shift eastward towards Colorado today. 

Smoke will begin to trickle in to northwestern Colorado by late Thursday morning, and continue spreading eastward as the day goes on. The majority of smoke will remain in the upper atmosphere, although some will mix down to the surface. Hazy skies are likely across much of northern and western Colorado. Light to moderate smoke is possible Thursday in northwest Colorado, especially Steamboat Springs, Craig, and Meeker. 

No major public health impacts are expected today, but if you are unusually sensitive to smoke, you may consider limiting your time outdoors, and avoid heavy exercise if possible.

To stay up-to-date on smoke levels in your area, see CDPHE's monitoring network, EPA's fire and smoke map, or Purple Air.

EPA's fire and smoke map shows moderate to heavy smoke across a large area of the western United States. (Source: www.fire.airnow.gov)

Smoke Transport Wednesday and Thursday

This week, while many Americans have suffered poor air quality due to wildfire smoke, Coloradans have enjoyed much cleaner air. That may change in the coming days. An upper-level ridge of high pressure has been situated over the western United States, but this ridge will shift eastward towards Colorado late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing smoke along with it.

Light to moderate smoke is possible on Thursday beginning in northwestern Colorado, and moving southward and eastward to encompass most of northern and western Colorado. Most of this smoke will remain aloft, so the skies may look hazy on Thursday. Light to moderate smoke may be possible if smoke mixes down to the surface.

No major public health impacts are expected this time. If conditions change and smoke becomes heavy, CDPHE will issue an Air Quality Health Advisory.

Satellite imagery shows heavy smoke is upwind of Colorado, and is expected to move into the state by Thursday. (Source: https://rammb-slider.cira.colostate.edu/)

Colorado's close call with Canadian smoke

 The first few frames of the visible satellite image reveal extensive wildfire smoke across the northern plains states.  Fortunately for Colorado, the bulk of the smoke should remain east of the state for the time being.  However, some hazy skies and light surface smoke will be possible today across the northern half of the state.  Significant health impacts are very unlikely, but if you are unusually sensitive to smoke you may want take it a bit slower today and keep your windows closed if you notice smoke in the area.

Canadian smoke for Colorado?

 Massive wildfires continue to burn in northern parts of British Columbia.  A cold front that will bring much cooler weather to parts of Colorado on Sunday could also usher in some smoke from these fires on Monday.  It's too early to know specific details yet, but we will be closely monitoring the fires and upper level winds over the next couple of days for possible Colorado impacts.

Oak Ridge fire update, 7/5/24

 The Oak Ridge Fire continues to burn near the Pueblo/Custer County line, approximately 3 miles northwest of Beulah. Smoke impacts have remained minimal over the last several days with limited fire/smoke activity observed. Friday afternoon and evening, fire managers plan to initiate burning operations that will reinforce fire lines and aid in containment efforts. Due to these operations, smoke production is expected to increase, and light to moderate smoke may be present in areas near the fire, possibly reaching Beulah to the east, and Westcliffe to the west. While no significant public health impacts are expected, health precautions are recommended for those who are sensitive to smoke exposure, in areas where smoke is apparent.

For additional information and updates on the operations on this fire, visit the InciWeb page for the Oak Ridge fire.

Oak Ridge fire update, 6/27/24

 The Oak Ridge fire is now estimated at 1,008 acres and continues to burn near the Pueblo/Custer County line, approximately 3 miles northwest of Beulah, CO. Firefighting operations "hit it hard" on Wednesday, deploying fire retardant via airborne resources, enabling additional ground operations to take place and slow the fire's spread. Smoke impacts were minimal on Thursday morning, and with increased cloud cover and relative humidity expected on Thursday, the Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke was allowed to expire.

Thunderstorms are possible in this area on Thursday afternoon. These may aid firefighting operations and limit fire activity and smoke production, however thunderstorms also may produce gusty, erratic winds that can send smoke in any direction. CDPHE/APCD will closely monitor smoke conditions, and may re-issue an advisory if concerns for public health increase.

Smoke will remain present in areas in the immediate vicinity of the fire, and individuals who are unusually sensitive to smoke are encouraged to take health precautions in areas where smoke is apparent.

Image courtesy of Viaero Wireless.

For additional information and updates visit the InciWeb page for this fire.

Oak Ridge Fire Update, Wednesday 6/26

The Oak Ridge Fire grew westward on Tuesday, and is now burning along the Pueblo/ Custer County line. For the most up-to-date information on fire growth, visit InciWeb.

On Wednesday, smoke will likely dissipate throughout the day as atmospheric mixing picks up. There is a possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, which could send smoke in any direction. After the thunderstorms move through and the wind dies down, smoke will begin to settle. Smoke may become moderate to heavy overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, especially in Beulah.

Map showing the estimated perimeter of the Oak Ridge Fire.

An Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect for eastern Custer and western Pueblo Counties until 9 AM MDT Thursday morning, 6/27.

Oak Ridge Fire 6/25

The Oak Ridge Fire is burning in Pueblo County, approximately 3 miles northwest of Beulah. Dry thunderstorms are possible through Tuesday evening, with gusty, erratic winds that could send smoke in any direction. Smoke may become heavy overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, especially along Middle Creek which could result in moderate to heavy smoke in Beulah.

Visit InciWeb for the most up-to-date information on the Oak Ridge Fire.

Smoke from the Oak Ridge Fire.

Smoke impacts have decreased on the Interlaken fire on Thursday, 6/13/24

Smoke impacts have decreased greatly on Thursday morning in areas near the Interlaken wildfire in southern Lake and northern Chaffee counties. Due to lower risks for public health, the Air Quality Health Advisory will be allowed to expire at 9 am on Thursday. Light winds and good atmospheric mixing are expected to loft smoke away from the surface on Thursday, resulting in minimal public health impacts. CDPHE/APCD will continue to monitor fire activity and smoke production, and will re-issue advisories for smoke if concentrations increase. Light to moderate concentrations of smoke may linger in lower terrain in areas near Twin Lakes, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours. Health precautions should be considered by groups who are unusually sensitive to exposure to smoke (fine particulate matter).

Light concentrations of smoke are present near Buena Vista on Thursday morning. Image courtesy of Federal  Aviation Administration.

Prescribed fire near Monument continues on Thursday

 The US Forest Service is continuing a prescribed burn project on Thursday with a treatment of up to 400 acres possible.  There have been some heavy smoke impacts from Wednesday's burn on areas just to the east of the burn site in western parts of the Monument area.  Fortunately that smoke is starting to clear out Thursday morning, though another round of smoke will be possible later today and early Friday morning.  For residents in this area, please keep windows close when smoke is present and avoid or reduce any strenous activities.

Smoke from the Monument prescribed fire on June 12, 2024

Heavy morning smoke near the Interlaken Fire

 It's a rough morning for air quality at Twin Lakes Wednesday morning with heavy smoke settling overnight from the Interlaken Fire.  The smoke has also spread southwards along the Arkansas River and State Highway 24 into Americus and Buena Vista.  It's unclear at this point how much additional fire activity can be expected today, but regardless the Air Quality Health Advisory that was issued last night for southern Lake and northern Chaffee Counties will be re-issued and will run through at least 9am Thursday.

Heavy smoke along the Arkansas River Valley.  Image courtesy of the Federal Aviation Administration

Air Quality Health Advisory issued for the Interlaken wildfire in southern Lake County, 6/11/24

An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for the Interlaken wildfire, burning in southern Lake County, approximately 5 miles northwest of Granite, Colorado. Smoke from this fire is visible along Highway 24 near Twin Lakes, and between Leadville and Buena Vista. Health precautions should be taken in this area, especially for those who are sensitive to smoke (fine particulate matter). 

Prescribed Fire near Green Mountain

 A prescribed fire is taking place today near Green Mountain in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest. No major public health impacts are expected from this fire, but smoke may be visible as far away as Chatfield State park on Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. In areas where smoke is present, unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Smoke from the Spruce Creek wildfire affecting areas in southwest Colorado, 5/23/24

 Smoke from the Spruce Creek wildfire will again affect areas in southwest Colorado on Thursday and Friday. The image shows smoke early Thursday morning affecting areas near the fire. As winds shift throughout the day, and smoke is transported by upper level winds, additional impacts are possible in downwind areas on Thursday afternoon.

The Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke  has been continued for this area. Areas of heavy smoke are present in many areas on Thursday morning, especially along State Highway 145 south of Rico to Dolores. This smoke is expected to lift throughout the day on Thursday as daytime atmospheric mixing deepens and winds increase. Winds out of the west or southwest will transport smoke to areas to the east or northeast of the fire on Thursday afternoon, possibly creating impacts in those areas, including Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, Lake City, and Creede. The greatest impacts from smoke are expected overnight Thursday night and early Friday morning as smoke settles throughout the advisory area, especially in lower terrain and sheltered mountain valleys.

Additional information about this fire can be found on InciWeb. 

A satellite image from May 23 shows smoke near the Spruce Creek Fire. Image courtesy of RAMMB CIRA.

Spruce Creek Fire

 The Spruce Creek Fire continues! Crews are managing the perimeter of this fire to contain it to an area that is 4,500 acres in total. Latest measurements estimate the fire at just over 1,800 acres, and crews expect the fire to grow around 1,500 to 2,000 acres a day. More information on the firefighting strategy can be found on InciWeb. 

Winds out of the southwest are expected on Wednesday, meaning smoke will be transported towards communities northeast of the fire. This includes Rico, Telluride, Lake City, and other communities along R-145. 

Overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, smoke will settle in low-lying areas such as valleys and creeks. Heavy smoke is possible overnight in Dolores, as well as drainages along Lost Canyon Creek, and the Haycamp Mesa Foothills.

When smoke is present, it is best to stay indoors and avoid exercise. Looking for more information on how to protect your health? Visit CDPHE's website.

The Spruce Creek Fire is burning in a forest of mostly Ponderosa Pine, Gambel Oak, and Aspen Trees. Image Courtesy of US Forest Service.

Prescribed Burning near Gross Reservoir

The US Forest Service conducted a 70 acre prescribed burn on Sunday in the vicinity of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County.  Although no additional ignitions are expected for the next several days, lingering smoke will be likely in the area.  

Sign up here for email updates regarding this burn.

Additional information about the Forsythe II prescribed burn can be found here on InciWeb.

 Map of the Forsythe II Prescribed Burn area. Image courtesy of US Forest Service.

Spruce Creek Fire

The Spruce Creek wildfire is located in Montezuma County approximately 11 miles northeast of Dolores within the San Juan National Forest. This is a low to moderate intensity wildfire which is being closely monitored by the US Forest Service and is not anticipated to produce any significant public health issues to local areas.  However, smoke will likely be visible along Colorado Highway 184 between Mancos and Dolores with some light to moderate smoke possible at times around the area, mainly during the early morning hours.  For more information on this fire, please visit InciWeb.

Satellite imagery from May 20 shows a hot spot, indicating the location of this fire in Montezuma County.

Canadian Wildfires

Heavy smoke is impacting the upper midwest Monday morning with highly elevated levels of fine particulates (PM2.5), particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  This smoke is originating from wildfires in Alberta of western Canada.  Fortunately for Colorado residents, the bulk of the smoke should remain far to north and northeast for the time being with only some light smoke possible in far eastern parts of Colorado near the Nebraska and Kansas state lines. No public health impacts are anticipated.

The EPA's Fire and Smoke Map shows higher concentrations of PM2.5 across the upper Midwest on May 13, 2024. No public health impacts are anticipated in Colorado.

Prescribed Burning Operations taking place in eastern La Plata County, 4/23/24

 A large prescribed burning operation is taking place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in La Plata County, just east of Bayfield. Smoke from this operation may be visible from locations near Highway 160 in eastern La Plata County and western Archuleta County. No significant public health impacts are currently expected.

Prescribed Burning in Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest, week of 4/15

This week, a prescribed burn is anticipated to take place in the Forsythe II burn area, west of Gross Reservoir in western Boulder County. While no major public health impacts are expected, smoke may be visible in nearby locations. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion in areas where smoke is visible.

Updates on this burn will be posted to InciWeb.

Broadcast burning is taking place at the Forsythe II burn area. Image courtesy of US Forest Service.

Prescribed burning operations to take place just west of Boulder on Monday, 4/15/24

 Prescribed burning operations are planned to take place on the Forsythe II Prescribed Burning Project on Monday, April 15th. This project is located just west of Boulder, near Gross Reservoir. Smoke from these operations my be visible from locations near Boulder and along the Colorado Front Range on Monday. While no significant public health impacts are expected, unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion in areas where smoke is apparent on Monday.

Nationwide fire and smoke information, fire.airnow.gov

Find nationwide air quality information related to wildland fire smoke from EPA and its many partners: Fire and Smoke Map

Find information about all types of wildland fires and other types of risk information from various agencies: InciWeb

CDPHE/APCD Social Media

 Keep up with current updates on Air Quality Health Advisories and Action Days through the social media accounts for the Air Pollution Control Division:

Facebook

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Smoke Blogs and Fire Information from other States

 Here are some links to fire and smoke pages operated by other states:

Idaho

Washington

Wyoming

Montana

Utah

Sign up for Email Air Quality Alerts and Advisories

 Anyone can sign up to receive information about Air Quality Action Days and Air Quality Health Advisories in Colorado. Visit this page to sign up for alerts and advisories in your area.

• winter.airquality: This list receives daily emails from November 1 - March 31 with health advisories and indoor burning restrictions for the 7-County Denver/Boulder metro area. Additionally, this daily email includes an air quality forecast for the entire Front Range region (Ft. Collins/Greeley area southward through Denver to Colorado Springs).

• ozone.frontrange: This list receives daily emails from June 1 - August 31 with health advisories and air quality forecasts for the ozone nonattainment area (Denver-Boulder-Greeley-Ft. Collins-Loveland). All primary pollutants are forecast on a daily basis, but the emphasis during these summertime months is on ozone.

• colorado.airquality: This list will receive an email whenever an Air Quality Health Advisory is issued state-wide (primarily for locations outside the Front Range). This list does not receive the daily emails of the two above lists, but will receive health advisories due to events such as blowing dust, stratospheric ozone intrusions, wildfire smoke, etc.