Nebraska air quality advisory issued as Canadian wildfires continue

Nebraska officials are warning residents about potentially decreased air quality as a result of Canadian wildfires.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) issued an air quality advisory due to smoke from the wildfires. 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 these fires has affected areas of Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas through much of the day on Monday, and wind conditions are forecast to carry that smoke south and east into the Lancaster County area,” Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Program Supervisor with LLCHD said in a press release. “Depending on the weather conditions, smoke in the air may reach levels that are unhealthy for certain groups. The highest potential for smoke impacts is during the evening hours Monday night through Tuesday morning.”

The Douglas County Health Department issued a statement saying 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.

If conditions worsen, people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and heart disease, plus children and pregnant people should take extra precautions when wildfire smoke is in the area.

The Douglas County Health Department advised if air quality becomes a cause for concern, there are several steps that can be taken:

• Choose a room you can close off from outside air and filter the air.
• Avoid burning anything in the room, like candles or fireplaces.
• Don’t fry or broil meat, smoke tobacco products, or vacuum.
• If you have central air conditioning, use high efficiency filters to catch particles.
• Set the system to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper.
• Stay hydrated with water or other nonalcoholic drinks.
• Check on elderly friends and neighbors or others who may be in frail health.

The department also advised those impacted to limit outdoor activities to only essential tasks, monitor the conditions and wear a respirator if one is recommended.