Tips for hiking during wildfire season in Colorado

With hot, dry, and smoky conditions taking over Colorado, it's important to keep wildfire safety in mind as you hit the trail. Much like backcountry skiers check avalanche reports, hikers should be aware of air conditions and wildfire risks before embarking on a hike.

First of all, hikers should be ready for the hike they're planning. Hikers should make sure they have the physical ability to complete whatever hike they are doing. This is especially important during wildfire season, as the smoky weather may make the exercise more difficult and even hazardous for sensitive groups.

As with any outdoor activity, it is imperative to plan responsibly. Hikers should always tell someone where they are going, the route they are taking, and when they expect to be back.

Hikers should also check weather conditions. Take a look at the weather forecast, air quality, and smoke forecasts before heading out on your hike. An air quality index above 100 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, and a level above 150 is unhealthy for everyone. InciWeb.gov is another good resource that will tell you where fires are burning, their size and containment, and evacuation orders.

Sometimes, bringing along a mask designed to prevent smoke particle inhalation can be helpful, especially in cases when winds shift and an area suddenly becomes much more smoky.

It's also important to be aware of what might start a fire, being on the lookout for potential hazards that authorities can mitigate. If you see something that's potentially a fire risk, report it to local authorities.

Wildfire risk can also make it important to carry an emergency GPS-based communication device that allows someone to call for help in a place where cellular connection might be limited. This could potentially save your life if you're in an area where a fire starts, allowing for quicker evacuation if needed.