Is there a fire near me? Track Colorado wildfires and smoke conditions on this map.
It's wildfire season in the West, and oppressive heat and drought in the region are providing fuel to several blazes.
In the last two years, Colorado has logged its three largest wildfires in recorded history, including the Cameron Peak Fire west of Fort Collins, the state's first recorded fire to reach 200,000 acres. And it also experienced the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history with the Marshall Fire in Boulder County.
Extreme temperatures and dry conditions in 2022 mean this year's wildfire season could last even longer amid staffing shortages experienced by paid and volunteer firefighter units.
More data: See wildfire risk in every Western community
You can track current fires and smoke and haze conditions across Colorado by zooming in or out on our interactive map here:
Where are there fires in Colorado?
Smoke from Colorado wildfires and fires in other Western states can travel into Fort Collins and affect air quality. See what fires are burning right now on the map below.
Something to note: Wildfires aren't the only cause for alert days. Other sources are automobile emissions and oil and gas activity — mostly from Weld County — along with naturally occurring ozone and some contribution from out-of-state sources.
This Colorado air quality map shows current smoke conditions.
How to stay safe on poor air quality days in Colorado
Check the weather forecast
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issues air quality advisories every day, including information on wildfire smoke, ozone levels as well as other contributing factors.
People are advised to keep in mind air quality changes throughout the day, especially as temperatures increase.
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Listen to your body
Head indoors if you're having difficulty breathing or feel any respiratory irritation, such as shortness of breath or a sore throat.
If your air conditioning is off, turn it on
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people in smoke-affected areas to close doors and windows and run the AC with the fresh-air intake closed.
Watch: Prevent wildfires though campfire safety
Wearing a mask won't help
Instead of keeping things out, the masks trap small particles from wildfire smoke.
Take extra care for sensitive or immunocompromised groups
Children, elderly and people with preexisting conditions sensitive to air conditions are more likely to be bothered by lowered air quality.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Where are wildfires burning in Colorado? Track them on this map
