DENVER (KDVR) — Skies above many areas in Colorado appeared hazy as the sun came up Wednesday morning, prompting some to wonder if there are nearby fires or if the smoky air is dangerous.
While there are some active wildfires in Colorado, like the almost 300-acre Dry Creek Fire in Garfield County near Rifle, most of the state is seeing smoke come from major fires burning in western states.
In Utah, the more than 30,000-acre Cottonwood Fire and Iron Fire and the 26,000-acre Hastings Fire are all actively burning with little containment. Additionally, several smaller fires are burning in Nevada to contribute to heavy smoke drifting into Colorado.
The smoke can be seen across the state, but the heaviest parts are in the western and southern portions of Colorado, prompting health warnings.
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The Colorado Department of Health and Public Environment issued an Air Quality Health Advisory Tuesday for many counties in southwestern Colorado, and the Denver metro area is under an Ozone Action Day.
The health advisory lasts through Wednesday morning, and officials said even if smoke doesn’t look too thick in your area, it could change rapidly without warning.
“If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors,” officials said in the advisory. “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.”…