The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) has issued an air quality advisory due to smoke from the old Village Inn fire near South 29th and “O” streets in Lincoln. LLCHD advises residents to avoid the area and stay indoors if there is smoke in nearby neighborhoods.
Those who experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain should contact a medical care provider. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available.
“Breathing smoke from the fire presents a health risk for everyone, especially children, older adults, and people with asthma, lung disease and other respiratory or heart conditions. Residents in the area are encouraged remain indoors and to keep windows and doors closed until smoke from the fire ceases,” said Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Section Supervisor with LLCHD.
To further protect their health during poor air quality conditions, residents can:
- Use a HEPA filter to improve indoor air quality.
- Set vehicle heating or cooling systems to recirculate mode to prevent smoke from entering.
- Ventilate their homes once the smoke has dissipated to remove any lingering odor.
Bergstrom said elevated wind speeds should help to disperse the smoke and reduce concentrations in areas further from the fire. With westerly winds, the primary area of concern would be areas located to the east of the fire.
Residents are encouraged to visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov) for information on current air quality conditions. The EPA also provides the AirNow and SmokeSense smart phone applications to help people stay informed of the AQI in their area.