High Park Fire, Summer Heat Increase Ground Level Ozone [VIDEO, INTERVIEW]

The ground level ozone season has already started. In preventing buildup of this pollutant, it is recommended that we do things that keep contributors out of the air. Smoke is a major contributor to ground level ozone, so the High Park Fire will make the situation a bit worse.

I spoke with Lucinda Smith from the City of Fort Collins Environmental Services department.

Ozone season officially started on June 1. It runs during the summer months through August 31, although there are times outside that period when we can see elevated ozone levels.

Here are some ground level ozone contributors in the hot months.

• Idling vehicles at extended stops, like stopping for a train
• Operating gas powered equipment during the hottest hours of the day
• Painting and using chemicals for painting for the hottest hours of the day
• Fueling vehicles during the hottest hours of the day

For information on what causes air quality problems and how to protect yourself during the High Park Fire, click here.

We have decided to extend our lawn mower rebate program. We have some funding left...so we've extended it until July 1. So if folks are interested in buying eith a push or an electric (or battery powered) mower...there are options and there are rebates available. ~Lucinda Smith, Environmental Services, City of Fort Collins