Air Quality Health Advisory – July 1

The CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for 9:00 a.m. July 1st through 9:00 a.m. July 2nd.

Smoke from fires in the western part of Colorado, including the Gold Mountain Fire outside of Ouray, continues to flow into our area. We have also seen periods of ash falling from the Gold Mountain Fire as well. This fire has not entered Gunnison County as of this morning, but is continuing to burn in a trajectory towards the southwest area of Gunnison County.

For more information about the Gold Mountain Fire, visit their Facebook page at Gold Mountain Fire or the dedicated incident page at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/inc…/cogmf-gold-mountain-fire

Public Health Recommendations:

If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood, you may want to remain indoors.

This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults.

Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present.

Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill.

If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Tips to Reduce Exposure:

Close windows and doors in the home and use fans inside to stay cool.

Set your home’s HVAC system and car’s air conditioning to recirculate the air inside.

You can wear an N95 mask when outdoors to limit your exposure. If you have a heart or lung condition, check with your doctor first before using one.

More tips and information about wildfire smoke and your health can be found at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/apcd/wildfire-smoke-and-health

To see the air quality in your area, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/?lang=en#8.05/38.888/-106.828

To track smoke plume movements, visit https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/products/land/hms.html#maps