Delta County Public Health and the City of Delta Encourage Residents to Protect Their Health During Wildfire Smoke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Delta County Public Health and the City of Delta Encourage Residents to Protect Their Health During Wildfire Smoke
DELTA, Colo. – July 16, 2026 – Delta County Public Health and the City of Delta are encouraging residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality across the region. Smoke from wildfires, even those burning many miles away, can create unhealthy air conditions that affect everyone, particularly those most vulnerable to respiratory and heart conditions.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles (PM2.5) that can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure may cause coughing, irritated eyes and throat, headaches, shortness of breath, and can worsen asthma, chronic lung disease, and heart disease.
While everyone can be affected by smoky conditions, extra precautions should be taken by:
Older adults
Infants and young children
Pregnant individuals
People with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
Individuals with heart disease
Anyone working or exercising outdoors
“As wildfire smoke and high temperatures continue to affect our community, we want residents to know there are actions we can all take to reduce exposure and protect our health,” said Jacqueline Davis, Public Health Director for Delta County Public Health. For those times when staying home or outdoors isn't the safest option, we are grateful to partner with the City of Delta to provide a place where people can find relief from the smoke and heat.”
Cooling and Clean Air Relief Available
The City of Delta reminds residents that the Riverbend Resource Center is available as a Cooling Center and Cleaner Air Relief Center during periods of extreme heat and poor air quality.
“Providing a Clean Air Relief Center within the Cooling Center was the next right step to support our community,” said Elyse Castleberry, City Manager for Delta. “We hope residents will use this resource whenever they need it. It is here to help everyone stay safe and comfortable.”
The center provides an air-conditioned space where residents can cool down, reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke, and take a break from unhealthy outdoor conditions. Individuals without access to air conditioning, those with health conditions, or anyone needing relief from the smoke are encouraged to utilize this resource.
Riverbend Resource Center’s hours of operation
540 W. 4th St. Delta, CO. 81416
Open: Monday, 1 pm-5 pm, and Tuesday through Friday, 10 am-3 pm.
Free N95 Masks Available
To help reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, free N95 respirators are available while supplies last at:
Delta County Public Health
Delta EMS
Delta County Sheriff’s Office
North Fork EMS
North Fork Annex
Delta Police Department
Hotchkiss Police Department
Residents should continue monitoring current air quality conditions by visiting AirNow.gov before spending extended time outdoors, as smoke conditions can change throughout the day depending on weather patterns and wildfire activity.
If you experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or symptoms that do not improve after getting out of the smoke, seek medical attention immediately.
Ways to Reduce Smoke Exposure
Residents are encouraged to:
Limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise, when air quality is unhealthy.
Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
Use air conditioning on the recirculate setting or use a portable HEPA air cleaner if available.
Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator if extended time outdoors is unavoidable.
Stay hydrated and monitor for symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest discomfort.
Media Contact
Delta County Public Health
Shirley Tatto, Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator
970-874-2189
City of Delta
Tyler Schumacher, City of Delta PIO
970-874-7566
Delta County Public Health
255 W 6th Street - Delta, CO 81416
970.874.2165
Canyons – Rivers – Mountains
DeltaCountyCO.gov
Delta County Public Health | 255 W 6th St. | Delta, CO 81416 US
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