COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK:
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 2:00 PM MDT

A large prescribed burn is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 24 in western Boulder County at the Forsythe II prescribed burn area, just west of Gross reservoir. Smoke may be visible in nearby communities. No significant public health impacts are currently expected, however unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion in areas where smoke is apparent, including within the Boulder area.

A large prescribed burning operation is taking place on Wednesday, April 24 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, however unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion in areas where smoke is apparent.

Light to moderate concentrations of smoke are possible near small wildfires and prescribed burns around the state.

What if there is a wildfire or smoke in your area?
The focus of the Colorado Smoke Outlook is on large fires (e.g., greater than 100 acres in size). Nevertheless, smoke from smaller fires, prescribed fires, and/or smoke from new fires not yet known to CDPHE air quality meteorologists may cause locally heavy smoke. If there is smoke in your neighborhood, see the public health recommendations below.

Public health recommendations for areas affected by smoke:
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 the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. To temporarily relocate to an area with better air quality, consider using this map (https://fire.airnow.gov/) to identify the best area closest to you. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY.