safety
Where are wildfires creating the most smoke on Colorado’s Western Slope?
By Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@summitdaily.com at Summit Daily
· July 6, 2026
· 1 min read
Smoke is continuing to waft through the mountains from wildfires burning in Colorado and neighboring states, prompting health advisories due to air quality.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory through at least Tuesday morning for m...
Key takeaway The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory through at least Tuesday morning for m...
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen residents should be aware that while the city itself is not directly adjacent to the five major wildfires burning in Colorado, the prevailing winds can still bring smoke into the Roaring Fork Valley, affecting local air quality. The nearby town of Basalt, for example, had an air quality index above 100 on Monday morning, considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups." This is particularly concerning for Aspen's outdoor enthusiasts, who may need to limit their physical activity on days when smoke is thick. Additionally, the city's high elevation, already a challenge for some visitors, can exacerbate respiratory issues when air quality is poor. Residents can check the local air quality index at fire.airnow.gov and take necessary precautions, such as staying indoors, to protect their health. The Aspen School District may also need to consider the air quality when planning outdoor activities for students.
About this story
Original reporting by Summit Daily . 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 Summit Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: Summit Daily ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Smoke is continuing to waft through the mountains from wildfires burning in Colorado and neighboring states, prompting health advisories due to air quality.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory through at least Tuesday morning for m...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by Summit Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@summitdaily.com at Summit Daily. 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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