Wildfires Create Dangerous Air Quality Conditions Along Front Range
DENVER (CBS4)- The three wildfires burning in Colorado are creating potentially dangerous air quality conditions along the Front Range.
The Colorado Department of Health has issued a health advisories for the three wildfires burning across the state including the Black Forest Fire burning north of Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge Fire burning near Canon City and the Big Meadow Fire burning in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The advisory for Denver is listed as moderate for healthy residents and unhealthy for sensitive groups. The visibility is expected to be poor throughout Thursday.
Smoke is dynamic which means it moves and changes directions so if you're not seeing or smelling the smoke that could quickly change.
Denver is primarily being affected by the Black Forest Fire.
The health department recommends people stay indoors if the smoke is thick. Those especially vulnerable to poor air quality suffer from heart disease, respiratory issues, the very young and elderly.
Air quality experts said the rule of thumb is if visibility is less than five miles than smoke has reached a level that is unhealthy.
"The best air quality monitor we have is you. So pay attention to what you're smelling, what you're seeing, what you're feeling. Our monitoring network is only going to confirm that. And everyone is different so sensitivities are across the board. So pay attention to those things and take simple precautions," said air quality expert Chris Dann.
The best advice is to limit your outdoor activity until the smoke clears.
