While locals were concerned by the potential health risks posed by the burning gilsonite vein from the Mack Shaft Fire in Uintah County earlier this week, the greater concern belonged to those in Colorado. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that during the fire, the winds blowed steadily from the west/northwest, pushing the smoke from the fire into Colorado. TriCounty Health Department notified public health officials in Colorado to make them aware of the situation. Locals were grateful for the announcement that there was no immediate risk to the public’s health from the burning gilsonite and thankfully, dispersion of the smoke from the wind forced the smoke vertically into the atmosphere and no immediate risk was posed to Colorado residents either. The Mack Shaft Fire started on June 16th around 5:20pm, burning on state and private land. The fire reached nearly 2,500 acres but no homes were threatened.
