Smoke from Western wildfires prompts Colorado health alert

Smoke from massive wildfires in California and other states is drifting into western Colorado, triggering a health advisory from state officials and a burning ban in Mesa County.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says the smoke could ease up Thursday but is expected to intensify again by Friday.

Health officials suggested people with heart or respiratory problems, the elderly and small children stay indoors if the smoke is thick.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reported Thursday that Mesa County indefinitely banned open burning for agriculture because of the smoke.

The smoke also caused hazy conditions along the front range, including Colorado Springs and Denver.

Large wildfires are burning in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.