Smoky skies prompt health advisories in Colorado’s mountains as wildfires balloon across the West

June 24, 2026 - 21:58

A haze from out-of-state wildfires is choking the Colorado mountains as widespread drought and persistent hot, dry weather continue to elevate the fire danger. The smoke wafting across the Western Slope is primarily from three large fires burning in California, Oregon, and Idaho. Air quality monitors in several high-country towns, including Aspen and Crested Butte, have recorded readings in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category, prompting local health officials to issue advisories.

Residents and visitors are being urged to limit outdoor exertion, especially during the afternoon when smoke settles into valleys. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions face the highest risk. The smoke has reduced visibility along mountain passes and cast an eerie orange tint over peaks that would normally be crisp and clear this time of year.

Firefighters across the West are stretched thin as the 2024 fire season intensifies. In Colorado, state officials have activated additional resources to monitor air quality and prepare for potential new ignitions. The National Weather Service has extended red flag warnings for much of the western half of the state, citing low humidity and gusty winds.

While no major evacuations have been ordered in Colorado yet, the situation remains fluid. Meteorologists say a shift in wind patterns could either clear the air or push more smoke into the Front Range. For now, mountain communities are bracing for another week of hazy skies and health alerts.