COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK:
Monday, July 3, 2017, 8:20 AM MDT
The 200 acre Gutzler wildfire is located in Eagle County, approximately 20 miles north of Vail. Winds at the fire on Monday will be primarily out of the west or northwest, likely moving smoke to toward locations to the east or southeast of the fire. Periods of smoke are possible in the communities of Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs, Sheephorn, Heeney, Granby, Winter Park, Tabernash, Fraser, and Silverplume. Smoke may be visible at times along I-70 in the vicinity of the fire. Thunderstorms are possible on Monday afternoon, and may produce gusty, erratic winds that can send smoke in any direction.
The 136 acre Mill Creek wildfire is located approximately 15 miles northeast of Hayden in Routt County. Winds at the fire on Monday will be primarily out of the west or northwest direction. Smoke is possible for locations east and southeast of the fire through Monday afternoon, including Glen Eden and Clark, and perhaps Steamboat Springs. Thunderstorms on Monday afternoon and evening could also produce gusty, erratic winds at times and send smoke in any direction.
The 66,768 acre Brian Head wildfire is located in southwestern Utah and smoke is occasionally being transported eastward into Colorado. Smoke and haze may be visible at times, mainly in western parts of the state. The vast majority of this smoke is remaining aloft and is having little to no effect on ground-level public health.
Light to moderate smoke is also possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires 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. Fine particulates may reach the Unhealthy category where smoke is heavy. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. 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.