The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke in central Colorado, specifically affecting Eagle, Pitkin, Summit, and Lake Counties. The advisory is in effect from 4:30 PM on Wednesday, August 20, until 9:00 AM on Thursday, August 21.
The primary cause of the poor air quality is the smoke from the Derby Fire, which is impacting central Colorado. While the heaviest smoke is expected in areas near the fire, moderate to heavy smoke is possible throughout the advisory area overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning.
The health impacts of the wildfire smoke are significant, especially for individuals with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, young children, and older adults. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends that individuals in affected areas remain indoors if the smoke is thick or becomes thick in their neighborhood. It is also advised to limit outdoor activities when moderate to heavy smoke is present and to consider relocating temporarily if the indoor air quality is affected by the smoke.
The visibility in the affected areas is expected to be less than 5 miles due to the smoke, indicating unhealthy air quality levels. It is crucial for residents to take necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being during this period of poor air quality.
This Air Quality Health Advisory serves as a reminder of the environmental and health impacts of wildfires, which have become increasingly common and severe due to climate change. Wildfires not only pose immediate risks to human health but also contribute to long-term environmental degradation and climate change.
As communities continue to grapple with the effects of wildfires, it is essential to prioritize measures that address climate change and mitigate the risk of wildfires. Public awareness, preparedness, and proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding public health and the environment in the face of escalating climate-related challenges.
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References:
– https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.ad9c01c851238a165e615f27d8671442a2be55c9.001.1.cap
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