Thousands in Colorado Advised To Stay Indoors Due to Wildfire Smoke

Officials warn of potential health risks as smoke spreads across southeastern Colorado counties.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:49am

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Thousands of residents across southeastern Colorado are being urged to stay indoors as lingering wildfire smoke prompts an overnight air quality health advisory. State health officials issued the alert on Friday afternoon, warning that smoke levels may vary overnight and could reduce visibility and increase health risks.

Why it matters

Wildfire smoke has become a recurring public health concern as changing climate conditions drive more frequent and intense fire seasons. Air pollution from smoke can pose serious short-term and long-term health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and those with existing heart or lung conditions.

The details

The air quality health advisory, released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, is in effect from 4 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday. Counties included in the advisory are Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Crowley, Otero, Bent, Prowers, and Pueblo. Affected communities include Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Eads, Ordway, La Junta, Las Animas, Lamar, and Pueblo. Officials warn that smoke levels may vary overnight, potentially reducing visibility and increasing health risks. Residents are advised to closely monitor local conditions, particularly if visibility drops below five miles, a threshold that signals unhealthy air quality.

  • The air quality health advisory was issued on Friday, March 14, 2026 at 4 p.m.
  • The advisory is in effect until Saturday, March 15, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The players

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

The state agency that issued the air quality health advisory due to lingering wildfire smoke in southeastern Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present.”

— Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

“Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.”

— Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

What’s next

State officials are expected to reassess air quality conditions on Saturday morning as smoke levels are monitored. Additional advisories or updates may be issued if conditions worsen or persist.

The takeaway

This air quality advisory highlights the growing public health threat posed by wildfire smoke, which can have serious short-term and long-term health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations. As climate change drives more frequent and intense wildfires, communities will need to be prepared to respond quickly to protect residents from the dangers of poor air quality.