Canadian smoke causes air quality concerns in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln is under a health advisory because of smoke from wildfires in Canada.

“Northerly winds combined with heavy smoke being generated by large wildfires in Canada are likely to result in levels of smoke in the air that are unhealthy for sensitive groups,” Gary Bergstrom, an official with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, said Thursday in a press release.

People likely to be sensitive to the smoke, he said, include children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease and other respiratory illnesses.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska under Air Quality Alert through noon Friday

Those at risk are advised to stay indoors if possible, the health department said.

But if you have to be outside, you should limit strenuous activity, take breaks and watch for symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain.

The health department said smoky conditions are likely to last through early Friday afternoon but could stick around until Saturday.

You can check the Air Quality Index in Lincoln at airnow.gov.