By Nia Bender
COLORADO SPRINGS – The air quality is not going to improve at all Monday in Colorado and it’s all being blamed on smoke from western wildfires, like the Dixie Fire in California. As of Sunday night, the wildfire has burned through 463,477 acres and it’s 21% contained. It’s the largest wildfire burning in the country and the third-worst fire in California’s history
On Saturday, Denver was rated as having the worst air quality in the world. It came in second on Sunday. Here in the Pikes Peak region, bad air quality and diminished visibility continue to be a major issue and there’s no escape from it. It doesn’t get better if you head to the high country and in fact, the smoke was seen over the weekend hanging over the trees like fog.
An Air Quality Alert is in effect across the Front Range and health officials say those with serious health conditions should reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors. Many health care providers are reporting an increase in visits for care in relation to the smoke.
