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Thanks. I received an email from the school

Good afternoon folks!

I’m sure that many of you have heard about the Four Mile Canyon fire burning in the mountains northwest of Boulder. Those of us living in Colorado have benefitted by extensive media coverage of the fire so we are pretty well informed about the situation. While we are all concerned about the welfare of our mountain neighbors and the consequences of the fire, we are much better able to put the threat posed by the fire in perspective. Those of you living outside the state are probably less well informed and we recognize that fear of the unknown can be very unsettling. Consequently, here is the latest information the University has shared with the campus community:

The Boulder County wildfire is northwest of the city of Boulder and does not represent a threat to the University of Colorado campus or the central City of Boulder. Classes and all university activities will proceed along a normal schedule.

Air quality is also a concern and will vary significantly hour to hour based upon wind direction and velocity. This morning, when the air was calm, the visibility on campus was somewhat poor. Now, with a breeze, the visibility is good.

CU students with respiratory illnesses (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema) should be aware of air quality alerts issued by Boulder County Health by going to http://www.bouldercounty.org/newsroom/templates/bocodefault.aspx?articleid=2292&zoneid=5. Those with severe respiratory distress should proceed immediately to the closest emergency department; those with less distress may come to the Wardenburg Health Center. “N95” masks, properly worn, will offer some protection to those with respiratory or heart conditions that may put them at risk. A limited number of “N95” masks, and instructions for their use, will be available at the Wardenburg Health Center. Students may also obtain masks and information at the front desk of Kittredge West, Stearns West, and Libby as well as in the main office of Family Housing. Again, masks are intended for those with respiratory or heart conditions that may put them at risk.

For updates and a list of area evacuations and closures, go to the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website at http://www.boulderoem.com/component/content/article/5.

CU-Boulder information will be updated as warranted at http://www.colorado.edu and on the CU-Boulder Emergency Information Line at 303-492-4636.

I hope this helps shed a little light on the situation. Please rest assured that the University is also sharing information with your student directly via a variety of means—e-memos, web communications, and, if necessary, text alerts. Of course, we will keep you informed of any significant developments as well.

Finally, although very few students typically live in the area impacted by the fire should your student have been required to evacuate and need assistance, please have them call the Dean of Students office at 303-492-8476.