Published April 12, 2024
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) announced today: health advisory Due to controlled fires expected to occur in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma on Friday, April 12th and Sunday, April 14th. Smoke can reach levels that are unhealthy for children, the elderly, and people with asthma, lung disease, and other respiratory illnesses. or heart condition.
“Good burning conditions are expected across the Flint Hills on Friday and Sunday, with wind forecasts likely to carry smoke north into the Lancaster County area,” said Gary Bergstrom, LLCHD Air Quality Program Supervisor. he said. “Depending on the extent of the combustion, smoke in the air can reach unhealthy levels. The effects of smoke are likely to be greatest from Friday evening through Saturday morning and from Sunday evening through Sunday evening. Until Monday morning.”
Inhaling smoke can trigger asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause chest pain in some heart patients, Bergstrom said.
When the air quality index (AQI) is in the orange category, it means that the air quality is unhealthy for individuals who are more sensitive to air pollution. At-risk people should reduce strenuous physical activity when outdoors, get plenty of rest, and watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact their health care provider. People with asthma should follow an asthma action plan and have quick-acting relief medications readily available.
If the AQI is in the red category or worse, the air quality is unhealthy for everyone and all residents should follow the guidance above.
At-risk people can help improve air quality by staying indoors, closing windows and doors, using HEPA filters, and using “recirculation” settings when using your car's heater or air conditioner. You can further protect your health during bad times.
Smoke levels can fluctuate due to changes in wind, weather conditions, and fire smoke production. For information on current air quality conditions, we recommend consulting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Fire and Smoke Map at fire.airnow.gov.
EPA also offers AirNow and SmokeSense smartphone applications to help people stay informed of the AQI in their area. These tools also provide guidance on precautions people should take when going outdoors.
