Lincoln health department issues air quality advisory due to Western wildfires

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department on Thursday issued an air quality advisory due to wildfires.

The wildfires span from north-central Canada to areas of the Pacific Northwest.

Officials say smoke from these fires could reach levels that are dangerous for children and older adults with respiratory diseases 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.

Smoke levels may fluctuate due to wind, weather conditions and varying smoke production by the fires.

For questions about air quality conditions or to see a smoke map visit fire.airnow.gov.