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Routt County fires continue, officials issue air quality advisory

Staff Report
Northwest Colorado counties including Routt, Grand and Jackson are under an air quality advisory.
Courtesy Photo

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has extended an air quality health advisory for wildfire smoke for Routt, Grand and Jackson counties.

Smoke from local fires, including Deep Creek and Big Red, combined with smoke from out-of-state fires is resulting in unhealthy air quality conditions. The heaviest smoke impacts will be felt in areas directly downwind from the Routt County wildfires, and include the Steamboat Springs and Walden areas, according to CDPE.

The health organization recommends that if smoke becomes thick in your neighborhood to remain indoors. This is important for those with heart disease, respiratory illness, the very young and the elderly. The advisory also states that people should consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. If visibility is less than five miles then smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Deep Creek has now burned 3,795 acres and is being managed by 254 personnel, according to an update Friday morning on InciWeb. Big Red remains at 1,830 acres. Officials also discussed the firefighting efforts Thursday night. Watch a video below:


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