BOULDER COUNTY — Boulder County Public Health has issued the following information regarding air quality in the Town of Nederland.

With the high winds forecast for Nederland, ash and debris left behind from the Caribou Village Shopping Center fire may become airborne and could lead to potential health risks.

Please take the following steps to stay safe and protect your health: 

- Keep windows and doors closed during high winds.

- Use HEPA air purifiers indoors, ideally with activated carbon pre-filters to help with odors.

- Replace HVAC filters if they appear dirty and use the highest-rated filter recommended by your system.

Protect yourself from exposure to ash or debris. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should consider removing themselves from areas where they may be exposed to particulate matter from the fire.

Avoid disturbing ash or debris—even walking or sweeping can send fine particles into the air. 

Remove shoes before entering your home to prevent tracking in ash or debris. If you must be outside during high winds, consider wearing an N95 mask or equivalent. Cloth masks and surgical masks do not protect against fine ash. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should not wear N95 masks and should consider removing themselves from areas where they may be exposed to particulate matter from the fire.

If you find ash, use a damp cloth and soap and water to clean surfaces—avoid harsh chemicals. Only use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters to avoid spreading ash indoors.