 time of year, levels are around 50.
These numbers are still less than the levels of more than 380 that were recorded at certain periods around Denver because of the Hayman fire, Dann said.
For Steamboat, these triple-digit amounts of particulate pollution because of wildfires are not common.
"To my knowledge, we haven't seen this level of regional haze or regional smoke in our valley," Zopf said. "I've been here 25 years and I don't recall seeing it."
Along with the smoke come health warnings from local doctors and state health officials.
Smoke from wildfires has particles and chemicals that can irritate a person's lungs and cause coughing, wheezing, chest pain, difficulty breathing and eye, nose and throat irritation.
Public health officials have said if visibility is less than five miles like it was in Steamboat Friday air quality is probably at unhealthy levels.
During these conditions, medical officials recommend people take precautions such as limiting outdoor exercise.
"We don't want to alarm people," Zopf said. "But the key point is that if visibility is less than five miles, think about restricting activity."
If people are in areas where they can smell smoke and begin to feel symptoms such as coughing or irritation of their eyes, nose or throat, they should stay indoors with the windows closed until the smoke recedes.
People who have health conditions such as asthma, emphysema and heart conditions, or who are very young or elderly, are especially at risk, officials said.
The best rule of thumb is to be cautious and call a doctor if symptoms are experienced.
"I think everybody just needs to be sensible and take care," public health nurse Pam Nettleton said. "If it doesn't feel good you shouldn't be outside sucking that air."
For more information, call the Visiting Nurse Association at 824-8233, Routt County Department of Environmental Health at 879-0185 or a local health-care provider. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has
more information online at http://apcd.state.co.us.
To reach Susan Bacon call 871-4206
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