Air Quality Health Advisory Issued Through Sunday, October 13th

An Air Quality Health Advisory for wildfire smoke has been issued until 4 pm Sunday (Oct.13) for Chaffee and Fremont Counties.

Prolonged periods of moderate to heavy smoke are expected Saturday into Sunday afternoon from the Decker Wildfire, approximately 8 miles south of Poncha Springs. Although gusty winds may disperse smoke concentrations across the area, smoke is expected to increase Sunday afternoon. Gusty winds will increase fire activity and overnight smoke will settle in low laying areas east of the fire.

Smoke impacts are expected to continue through at least Sunday afternoon. Smoke will generally move to the east of the fire into Southeastern Chaffee and Northeastern Fremont County, and could bring periods of heavy smoke to Poncha Springs, Smeltertown, Salida, Cleora, Wellsville, Howard, Coaldale, and Cotopaxi.

Health Recommendations

Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.