Air quality advisory: Elevated smoke levels in Mesa County

The Mesa County Health Department has issued a health advisory due to high levels of smoke in the Grand Valley. An extended temperature inversion has allowed the accumulation of fine particulates in the air. This pollution is mainly produced from wood burning, vehicle exhaust and other combustion sources. 

Individuals who are sensitive to smoke,  including those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly are encouraged to take steps to protect their health. These individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion until smoke levels have decreased.

All residents are encouraged to limit their contribution of pollution during this time. Local vehicle travel time should be minimized, including carpooling, eliminating idling and unnecessary trips, and connecting multiple errands into one trip. 

A ban on burning of wood in fireplaces and older model wood stoves is mandatory within the city limits of Grand Junction and Fruita. Outside the city limits, burning in these devices is discouraged. If burning is unavoidable, please follow good practices to ensure such burning minimizes smoke production. Wood should be well seasoned, and fires should be small and hot. Smoke should never be smelled in the home. 

All open burning, including fires for agricultural and recreational use, is restricted at this time. Burning of trash and household garbage is illegal within Mesa County at all times. 

Smoke levels are expected to remain high at least until Thursday, January 24th, and possibly longer. For current air quality conditions and forecasts, please visit www.airnow.gov

To sign up to receive air quality alerts, visit www.environflash.info

For more information, please call (970) 248-6966 or visit www.health.mesacounty.us