Light Layer of Ash from Pine Gulch Fire Coats Grand Junction

If you woke up this morning with a light coat of ash outdoors, you're not alone. The Pine Gulch Fire is showing its effects on the area.

I know I'm feeling the effects of the smoke and poor air quality. I also noticed some ash on my patio furniture late last night, and earlier this morning. I also took a couple of photos from the ash that gather on our cars in the driveway.

The air quality is poor in the Grand Junction area. The US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program says the air quality in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and the towns to the east up the I-70 corridor area experiencing "moderate conditions with possible periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups clearing in the late afternoon."

The agency wants to remind you if you feel the effects of the smoke to limit your time outside and exposed to the air. If you smell smoke, you're breathing smoke.

The Pine Gulch Fire has now consumed ~81,000 acres and is 7% contained with fire weather continuing throughout the day.