DENVER (CBS4) – Winds are blowing smoke from wildfires in other states into the Denver metro area Wednesday, and state health officials have issued an air quality advisory.

Officials with the National Weather Service said that the smoke is coming from several major wildfires in Wyoming and one in Montana:

- Ash Creek Complex Fire: 100 miles east of Billings, Mont. — 244,468 acres
- Oil Creek Fire: 5 miles northwest of New Castle, Wyo. — 56,000 acres
- Squirrel Creek Fire: 25 miles southwest of Laramie, Wyo. — 9,085 acres
- Arapaho Fire: 28 miles northwest of Wheatland, Wyo. — 93,505 acres

The National Weather Service says the smoke should begin to dissipate in the evening.

“A weak cool front has bought moderate to heavy smoke in from Wyoming,” a news release from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Regional Air Quality Council stated. “This smoke will cause fine particulate concentrations to reach moderate to unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups concentrations across much of northeastern Colorado on Wednesday afternoon and evening.”

Officials say those with asthma and other respiratory issues might have increased problems with the smoke in the air and should consider staying indoors. People who are active should also consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

The air quality advisory includes “the Front Range Urban Corridor from El Paso County north to Larimer and Weld counties, including the Denver-Boulder area, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Greeley” and will be a concern at least through 6 p.m.

A cam positioned on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment building in Denver shows the smoke hanging over downtown Denver on Wednesday. (credit:Dept. of Public Health and Environment)

LINK: Colorado Air Quality Information