Colorado Springs FD responds to increase in respiratory-related calls caused by poor air quality

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs Fire Department is already seeing the respiratory impacts of the poor air quality across our region, with their crews responding to an influx of calls over the past few days.

This comes after an air quality health warning was issued Sunday, August 8th for the northwestern region of El Paso County.

The poor air quality is a result of the fires raging on the west coast of the country. The Colorado Springs Fire Department said they are already dealing with the repercussions of those fires in Colorado.

"In the 911 system, we are seeing an uptick in the number of respiratory calls," said Steve Wilch, a battalion chief with CSFD. "I imagine our hospitals are saying the same."

The poor air quality especially impacts young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions.

"The first thing we have to do is get a baseline as to what is bothering them. How difficult is their breathing, can they even answer full sentences," said Wilch.

Firefighters are responding to those respiratory-related calls, while also preparing for the possibility of fires to start in Colorado. Wilch said the smoke, even from out of state, means fuels in our region are drying up, too.

"Right now we are at a moderate fire danger, but that will rise as we continue with this hot weather,” said Wilch.

The Colorado Springs Fire department said they have received federal requests to assist other states with their fires, but are choosing to keep resources locally for now.

“Everyday, even yesterday here in the city, we had a few grass fires we quickly responded to and put out,” said Wilch.

The air quality health warning is set to expire Monday evening.