| Wildfires continue to rage across Alaska
where several active, large fires have burned 266,599
acres according to reports from the National Fire
Information Center. So far this summer, more than 580
fires have burned nearly 3 million acres, or about the
size of Pennsylvania. Fires erupted earlier this month
as dry weather and record to near record temperatures
primed the landscape for fire.
AQI levels in Fairbanks have been Unhealthy to
Hazardous since late last week and will continue to be
elevated through the weekend. At these levels, air
quality poses a serious respiratory risk to the general
population, the sun is partially obstructed, and
visibilities are one-half mile or less. The Alaska
Department of Environmental Conservation has issued Air
Quality Advisories covering many areas of the
state. The Fairbanks North Star Borough has opened a
breathing respite center in Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
to assist individuals having difficulty breathing.
Officials expect smoke to be a factor in Alaska's
interior through the weekend as dry, windy conditions
persist. By late in the weekend and into early next
week, winds are expected to shift to the west,
decreasing the transport of smoke into the Fairbanks
area. However, without substantial rain, the air
quality impact and related health effects from the smoke
could last far longer.
Health Tip: Everyone should avoid any outdoor
exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the
elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep your
windows and doors closed, unless it is extremely hot
inside. In these cases, seek alternate shelter. |
