Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has expanded the air quality health advisory for wildfire smoke.

Affected areas include: La Plata, San Juan, Ouray, Montezuma, Hinsdale, eastern parts of Dolores and San Miguel counties and western portions of Archuleta County including, but not limited to the communities of Durango, Hermosa, Silverton, Ouray, Cortez, Dolores, Mancos, Hesperus, Rico, Ignacio, Bayfield and Telluride.

If smoke is thick or becomes thick, residents may need to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is causing illness. If visibility is less than 5 miles, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Heavy smoke from the East Canyon and Loading Pen wildfires in Montezuma County, and the Six Shooter wildfire in La Plata County has been observed across large sections of Southwest Colorado. Dry conditions and gusty winds will likely increase fire activity.

With the winds out of a southwesterly direction, smoke will generally move northeast of the fires. This could bring periods of moderate to heavy smoke to Ouray, Rico, Silverton and Telluride. In the evening, wind may decrease and smoke may begin to drain into lower lying areas surrounding the fires. This could produce periods of moderate to heavy smoke in locations such as Mancos, Hesperus, Durango, Hermosa, Ignacio and Bayfield during early morning.

For the latest smoke outlook, visit www.colorado.gov/airquality/addendum.aspx#smoke.For more information about smoke and health, visit www.colorado.gov/airquality/wildfire.aspx.For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts and advisories, visit www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx.