DENVER -- The state of Colorado issued a smoke health advisory Tuesday afternoon as heavy smoke from wildfires in California and Utah created unhealthy breathing conditions in certain parts of the state.

The health advisory was issued for Garfield County and parts of northwest and north-central Colorado.

State health officials said the air quality in these regions is "unhealthy for sensitive groups" including people with heart disease, respiratory illness and very young and very old people.

The highest concentrations of smoke is expected to occur in northwest Colorado, generally north of Interstate 70. Much of the rest of Colorado will see concentrations in the moderate range, the state said.

Health officials said moderate to heavy smoke is also possible in the vicinity of a fire 6 miles north of Nucla, Colo., especially in areas down-valley of the fire during the nighttime and morning hours.

"If they're asthmatic, they'll experience their typical asthma symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, in addition to the cough," said Dr. Rohit Katial from National Jewish Health.

Air in the metro area was hazy Tuesday afternoon, but health department officials said the particulate levels are only moderate.

If visibility is less than 5 miles in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy, the state health department said.

Abijah Lorez, who noticed the air as she walked around Denver's Washington Park, said she hasn't been sensitive to bad air until now.

"I kept coughing and coughing and I was like, 'What's going on?' Then, a couple other friends I was with had their asthma start up," Lorez said.

People who are at-risk for respiratory problems should consider limiting their activities and follow these guidelines:

Limit outdoor activities and remain indoors with the windows and doors closed.

Drink plenty of fluids to keep your respiratory membranes moist.

Reduce your physical activity to decrease the inhalation of airborne pollutants.

Reduce activities that increase indoor air pollution. For example, cigarette smoking, propane and/or wood burning stoves/furnaces, cooking, burning candles/incense, and vacuuming can greatly increase indoor particulate matter.

When driving, keep windows and vents closed. Run your air conditioner on recycle or re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.

If you develop symptoms suggestive of lung or heart problems, including chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, consult a medical provider as soon as possible.

Additional Resource:

For satellite analysis of smoke over the U.S., visit: NOAA.gov.
Contact the Environmental Health Department 970-668 -4070 if you have any questions or concerns.