Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) has issued a No Open Burning Air Watch Alert, including agricultural burns, for Tuesday, Sept. 5. Residents will be notified when the burn restriction is lifted.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, smoke will continue to be carried from fires in the northwestern US and western Canada into Colorado. The heaviest smoke impacts on Tuesday are expected to be in northwestern and west-central Colorado, including the Grand Junction area.

Open burning would add to the existing levels of smoke in the area, which could cause issues for unusually sensitive groups – those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma and respiratory infections.

Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

For more information on air quality conditions, visit health.mesacounty.us.