safety
Guest column: Wildfire smoke raises health concerns
By Stephen HesslGuest column at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· July 10, 2026
· 4 min read
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has recently issued Air Quality Health Advisories for wildfire smoke in many Colorado counties, including Garfield County.
CDPHE recommends that people stay indoors if smoke becomes thick in their neighborhoods. That is especially import...
Key takeaway CDPHE advises that if visibility is less than 5 miles, smoke has reached unhealthy levels.
Why this matters in Aspen News
In Pitkin County, where Aspen is located, the threat of wildfire smoke is a pressing concern, particularly during dry months when wildfire danger is high. While the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Air Quality Health Advisories have been issued for neighboring Garfield County, Aspen residents should still be vigilant about air quality. The Roaring Fork Valley's unique geography, with its surrounding mountains, can trap smoke and pollutants, exacerbating health concerns. Residents with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or cardiovascular disease, should be especially cautious and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure. By utilizing the Air Quality Index and staying informed through resources like AirNow.gov, Aspen residents can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and take steps to protect their health during periods of poor air quality. This is particularly important for outdoor enthusiasts and those who spend a lot of time outside, such as skiers, hikers, and cyclists.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . 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 .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has recently issued Air Quality Health Advisories for wildfire smoke in many Colorado counties, including Garfield County.
CDPHE recommends that people stay indoors if smoke becomes thick in their neighborhoods. That is especially import...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephen HesslGuest column at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. 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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