Air quality an issue in Fremont County due to fires

RIVERTON (WNE) — A haze has set in over much of Fremont County, and Monday the Wyoming Department of Health and Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (Air Quality Division) issued an air quality alert for much of west-central Wyoming, including the Wind River Mountains and Dubois.

"Recently, the smoke that we've seen is mostly from the Dollar Lake Fire," explained Warning Coordination Meteorologist Lance VandenBoogart with the United States National Weather Service in Riverton. "That one's putting out a lot of smoke."

According to information Fremont County Public Health posted to Facebook on Sunday, smoke can worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions, cause issues for people with heart disease, and, when smoke levels are high, anyone can experience coughing, headaches, and/or shortness of breath among a number of other potential complications. 

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoke in the air, the post said.

The DEQ has air quality monitors stationed at points across the state, with many in Fremont County. 

Tuesday morning, the 24-hour fine particles rolling average in Lander and on South Pass were both at levels the WDEQ considers as having moderate health effects.

For fine particulates, the DEQ explains moderate health risk as: "Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution."

However, it should be noted that these are 24-hour rolling averages, not singular incidents of large plumes suddenly being pushed into the area; people should always make the best decisions for their own health based on current conditions.

This story was published on August 27, 2025.