The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department issued an Air Quality Advisory due to smoke from wildfires spanning north-central Canada and areas of the Pacific Northwest. Smoke from these fires may reach levels that are unhealthy for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, and other respiratory or heart conditions.
“Smoke from the fires has affected air quality in western Nebraska and states to the north and west of Nebraska since late Wednesday, and there has been a significant amount of smoke in the upper atmosphere over the Central Plains reaching south into the Texas panhandle,” said Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Section Supervisor with LLCHD. “Moderate air quality impacts are expected, but depending on the weather conditions, smoke in Lancaster County may reach levels that are unhealthy for certain groups. The highest potential for smoke impacts is this afternoon through mid-morning on Friday.”
People at risk should reduce strenuous physical activity when outdoors, take plenty of breaks and watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms should contact a medical care provider. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available.