While the CalWood and Lefthand Canyon fires are not a threat to campus at this time, it’s important to review these health and safety reminders.
If any fire were to directly threaten the campus, emergency plans would be enacted and we would communicate with our campus community, including CU Boulder families, on evacuation and response efforts.
Campus response to wildfires
For students affected by a wildfire, please reach out by calling 303-492-7348 or emailing Student Support and Case Management, and we will begin the process of assisting you with academic, physical and other resources.
For any faculty or staff member affected by a wildfire, please contact your supervisor, appointing authority, department chair or your payroll/personnel liaison (PPL) with questions about personal leave. PPLs and campus supervisors should contact Employee Relations (ER) at 303-492-0956 with questions. ER can also refer those facing financial hardship as a result of a fire to resources such as the Staff and Faculty Emergency Fund and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Visit the Human Resources webpage, Leave Guidance in the Event of a Natural Disaster or Local Emergency, for information on leave guidance.
Do your part
Wildfires are a reality in Colorado's forests. While many wildfires are caused by lightning strikes, others are human caused (e.g., careless cigarette disposal, fireworks, camp fires). Please use extreme caution when enjoying the outdoors, within the city of Boulder and in the surrounding areas.
No fireworks
The possession or discharge of fireworks, firecrackers or skyrockets is prohibited in the city of Boulder and Boulder County. This includes but is not limited to sparklers, snaps, bottle rockets, roman candles and smoke bombs. Violations of law are enforced under the CU Student Code of Conduct and can result in sanctions such as probation, fines or educational courses.
Fireworks not only pose a significant fire risk, but they also can cause a significant noise disruption to residential areas. Even if you don’t possess or discharge fireworks, you may be held responsible for roommates’ or guests’ violations of this ordinance.
If you find yourself in possession of fireworks, you can turn them into any of the local Boulder fire departments—no questions asked! The fire department will dispose of the fireworks in a responsible manner for you.
Monitoring ongoing wildfire information
There are a variety of information sources available to the university community. Most importantly, when a fire or other hazard affects Boulder County, local authorities update information on the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website. This website also contains information on how to sign up to receive alerts when an emergency may affect your home, child care provider or other place of interest within Boulder County.
Other sources for fire information include:
Faculty, staff and students living in active fire areas are urged to pay attention to advisories concerning the changing conditions and possible evacuations and to follow instructions from city and law enforcement officials.
Wildfire smoke
Smoke from multiple fires is affecting many communities in our area. Exercise appropriate caution to preserve your health if you live or work in an area with high levels of particulates in the air.
Wildfire smoke contains pollutants that can be harmful to health. Particles from smoke tend to be very small and can be inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lungs. Even in healthy people, this can cause pulmonary inflammation and temporary reductions in lung function. Particulate matter can also affect the body's immune system.
In general, if you can see or smell smoke, Colorado Department of Health officials recommend you avoid outdoor physical activities. If visibility is decreased to less than five miles, smoke has reached unhealthy levels.
Colorado air quality updates are available at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Air Pollution Control Division website.
How are symptoms from wildfire smoke exposure different from symptoms of COVID-19?
Respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing are common to both wildfire smoke exposure and COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Information on symptoms of COVID-19 is available. If you are experiencing symptoms unrelated to smoke exposure such as, fever or chills, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, the CDC COVID-19 Self-Checker can help determine whether further assessment or testing for COVID-19 is needed.
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If you have questions about your symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider.
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If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, you should seek prompt medical attention by calling 911 or calling ahead to the nearest emergency facility.
