Wildfire Smoke Alert: How to protect yourself on poor air quality days

Published on October 07, 2024

Smoke from wildfires in Wyoming and Utah is affecting our region, leading to an action day for particulates that will last until at least Tuesday afternoon. During this time, fine particulate concentrations are expected to range from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups on Monday and Tuesday.

People with heart or lung conditions, older adults, and children should take extra precautions, such as limiting prolonged or strenuous activities outdoors. Even those who are generally healthy are encouraged to reduce heavy exertion on these days as a precaution.

Open Burn Permits Suspended

In line with the Open Burn Permit conditions and the Air Quality Control Commission's regulations, all burn permits are suspended during high pollution days like this. Additionally, permits are also suspended during Severe Fire Weather or Red Flag days. Please refrain from any outdoor burning until conditions improve.

How to Reduce Smoke Exposure

Outdoors:

• Limit outdoor activities during smoky conditions to reduce inhalation of smoke.
• Be extra cautious at night when smoke tends to settle closer to the ground.
• Check the air quality forecast at airnow.gov for up-to-date conditions in your area.
• If you need to be outside, wear an N95 respirator. Dust masks and bandanas won’t protect against smoke.
• In your vehicle, keep windows and vents closed, and set fans to recirculate mode to limit smoke exposure.

Indoors:

• Stay inside with doors and windows closed.
• Avoid activities that worsen indoor air quality, such as burning candles, smoking, vacuuming, or frying food.
• Use a portable air cleaner to help filter out smoke particles.
• Ensure your air conditioning system is equipped with high-efficiency filters.

• If you have asthma, be sure to follow your asthma management plan and have enough medication available.

Additional Precautions

During these conditions, it's best to avoid any kind of outdoor fires, including recreational fires, fireworks, and charcoal grilling or food smoking.

For the latest updates on Colorado smoke conditions, visit Colorado Smoke Outlook.