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Pyrocumulous clouds can be seen over the Lee Fire.

Wildfire smoke from the Lee Fire impacts Garfield County

Air quality update

COMMUNITY NOTICE
August 9, 2025

The Lee Fire is producing smoke that is affecting air quality in Garfield County. Visit AirNow to determine if it’s safe to be active outdoors. Be smoke-ready and know what steps you can take to protect yourself. If possible, have backup plans to avoid outdoor activities when smoke is thick, and learn how to keep your indoor air clean.

“If you don’t have air conditioning or are feeling the effects of smoke, listen to your body. You may need to take a break in an air-conditioned space, such as a public building or shopping center,” said Garfield County Environmental Health Manager Jannette Whitcomb. “Smoke impacts everyone differently. Poor air quality doesn’t mean you can’t go outside, but it may mean you should limit heavy activity or prolonged exposure.”

Garfield County Public Health’s air monitoring page offers a robust monitoring system that tracks trends over time. AirNow is an excellent resource for viewing real-time sensors in your area.

Not all areas have air sensors, and the region’s rugged topography can cause air quality to vary greatly from one place to another. You can often assess air quality by simply looking outside. If you can’t see more than five miles, or if you notice your health being affected, limit outdoor activities and keep your indoor air clean.

Garfield County Public Health information is provided online on the Public Health website.