SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Wildfire smoke is impacting air quality in the Salt Lake Valley.
According to the Department of Air Quality (DEQ), as of 12 p.m., the air quality in Salt Lake County is in the moderate category, which means people should travel wisely, carpool if needed, or choose cleaner transportation options.
The three-day forecast puts Salt Lake County in the unhealthy category for sensitive groups.
Experts say smoke from wildfires could cause high concentrations of particulate matter, which include common airborne pollutants like dust, smoke, dirt, soot and pollen. According to the DEQ, if smoke becomes thick, people with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity.
According to the Saly Lake City Fire Department, most of the smoke is blowing in from the Hastings Fire burning in Tooele County. The fire is burning east of Aragonite and south of I-80. It has reached 20,000 acres and is 25% contained.
According to ABC4’s 4Warn Weather team, Tooele, Utah, Salt Lake, Davis and Weber are under the “Orange” or “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. This means those with preexisting lung conditions, children, or the elderly will want to limit their time outdoors or wear a mask as to not breathe in these smoke particles.
Hazy skies from the wildfire smoke is also impacting Juab and Utah counties, where the Iron Fire and Dutchman Fire are located. They are currently burning 31,000 acres and 80 acres, respectively.
Wayne County is also handing out free N95 masks due to ongoing wildfire smoke and poor air quality affecting the area.
Here are simple actions you can take today to help keep our air clean.
- Avoid wood burning
- Stay idle free. According to experts, Idling wastes gas and money and adds unnecessary pollution into our air.
- Drive less and drive cleaner
- Avoid VOCs or Volatile organic compounds that include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.
According to the American Lung Association (ALA), air pollution can threaten anyone’s health, so it’s important to stay up to date on the AQI in your area…