As wildfires burn, smoke makes way into Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Smoke from the Grizzly Creek and Pine Gulch wildfires is continuing to make its way into southern Colorado.

The Pikes Peak region isn't in the unhealthy range for air quality yet, but the Colorado Spring Fire Department says we could get there quickly.

"If we start having a spot fires, which are contributed from the bigger fires, it's gonna get worse," says Lt. Fred Varnell with Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Varnell says people with respiratory issues need to pay extra attention to their health.

"Sometimes you just need to stay inside, and let your air conditioner and heating system filter out the air itself," says Varnell. "Maybe not go for those long runs, things like that, hiking, and exert yourself a lot. You're breathing in a lot more particulates."

Varnell says even those with no breathing issues should be incentivized to wear a mask now more than ever.

“You see a lot of people wearing a lot of medical-grade masks, which can filter out a lot of those small particulates. Remember, that’s what smoke is: a product of combustion," says Varnell.

The Colorado Spring Fire Department has sent some firefighters to help battle the Grizzley Creek fire.

They are anticipating fighting that fire until the beginning of September at the earliest.