WildFire
Multiple wildfires are burning across Colorado as dry and hot conditions have settled over the state. The Grizzly Creek Fire is currently 19,440 acres with extreme fire behavior. Due to current fire conditions burning adjacent to Interstate 70, the corridor remains closed. The wildfire is actively burning on both sides of the Colorado River in steep and rough terrain, and firefighters are actively working to suppress it in areas that have the highest chance of success.

Smoke
Smoke from the various wildfires burning in the Front Range is coalescing within the Colorado River drainage causing cumulative impacts. The smoke from the Grizzly Creek wildfire is settling into the gorge at night, and as the day heats up, it is slowly rising and moving into the Glenwood Springs, Gypsum, and Eagle communities. Expect worsening conditions during the day between 10 am and 4 pm. In the early evenings, smoke can rise high in the atmosphere and will be moving in a southerly direction the next day or two. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke for many of the counties in the area. Please see the link below for more information.

Air Quality Monitoring
The air quality in the areas surrounding the wildfire can, at times, reach hazardous levels. Mid-day smoke can settle into the cities, and you may want to consider limiting outdoor activity. Early morning and evenings may look clear; however, conditions can still be unhealthy for sensitive groups. If you can smell smoke, you are breathing smoke. Even with face-covering, you can still experience adverse health effects when in smoky conditions.

Daily AQI Forecast* for Aug 15, 2020
Yesterday Fri   Forecast* Sat Sun
Station hourly 8/14 Comment for Today -- Sat, Aug 15 8/15 8/16
Glenwood Springs
Expect conditions to get worse mid-morning to early evening. An air quality monitor for PM 2.5 has been set up in town, and the link is below.
Eagle
Expect conditions to get worse throughout the day. Periods of unhealthy air quality should be expected. The evening hours may be best as the smoke is higher in the atmosphere, but it will eventually settle back down after sunset.
Aspen
Early mornings should be the worse times. Expect more smoke to move into the area as winds shift the next couple of days.
Issued 2020-08-15 09:43 MDT by William Basye; william.basye@usda.gov
Air Quality Index (AQI) Actions to Protect Yourself
Good None
Moderate Unusually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion.
USG People within Sensitive Groups* should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy People within Sensitive Groups* should avoid all physical outdoor activity.
Very Unhealthy Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous Everyone should avoid any outdoor activity.

*Disclaimer: This forecast is based on fine particulates only; ozone is not included. Forecasts may be wrong; use at own risk. Use caution as conditions can change quickly. See your health professional as needed. Smoke sensitive groups should take appropriate precautions.