safety
Colorado could see more haze this week from wildfires burning elsewhere in the West
By Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Steamboat Pilot
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
Colorado could continue to see hazy skies this week as wildfire activity in the West picks up.
Smoke from three large wildfires burning in Utah and Nevada pushed across the Western Slope over the weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. The light-to-m...
Key takeaway Smoke from three large wildfires burning in Utah and Nevada pushed across the Western Slope over the weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen residents can expect the haze from western wildfires to impact outdoor activities, particularly for those with respiratory issues. The Roaring Fork Valley's geography, with its surrounding mountains, can trap smoke and exacerbate poor air quality. While the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment does not anticipate issuing health advisories, locals should remain vigilant and monitor air quality indexes. The situation is a reminder that even without large wildfires in Pitkin County, the region is not immune to the effects of regional fires. With the National Interagency Fire Center reporting a significant increase in total acres burned nationwide, it's crucial for Aspen's emergency management team to be prepared for potential wildfires in the area, especially given the dry conditions that can develop during the summer months. The city's proximity to the White River National Forest, where the Spring Creek Fire recently occurred, adds to the concern.
About this story
Original reporting by Steamboat Pilot . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Steamboat Pilot ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Colorado could continue to see hazy skies this week as wildfire activity in the West picks up.
Smoke from three large wildfires burning in Utah and Nevada pushed across the Western Slope over the weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. The light-to-m...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Steamboat Pilot and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Steamboat Pilot. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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