SUBLETTE COUNTY — You don’t need a fire in your backyard to experience the negative effects of wildland fire smoke.
From coast to coast, wildfires are burning across the U.S and here in Wyoming. The National Interagency Fire Center reports at least 90 large fires across the country as of this publication. The nation is currently at Preparedness Level 5, the highest and maximum, on a scale of 1-5. This means resources are stretched, and fire response will be prioritized by immediate threats to life, property, and high-risk operational impacts.
The Greater Yellowstone Fire Action Network is reminding communities in the Greater Yellowstone Area that wildfire smoke is present and there are steps folks can do to protect themselves.
“The truth is that we are all individual and unique. While one person may be more sensitive to smoky conditions, another may not,” Ashley Sites, Program Director for the Greater Yellowstone Fire Action Network, said. “The key is to know the resources available to make good decisions about your health.”
So what are some steps you can take to be smoke ready?
1. Check air quality in your region by visiting the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
2. Once you know your reading, you can check the Air Quality Index (AQI) to see if your air is at a hazardous level.
3. Always follow instructions given by your local emergency management officials
4. Stay inside if authorities tell you to do so.
5. Some communities have a HEPA filter loan program. Check with your local Health Department for more information.
6. Some communities have dedicated spaces for clean air and temporary relief from smoke. Know these before you need them.
Symptoms to watch out for, according to the CDC:
• Coughing and wheezing
• Eye and throat irritations
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches and fatigue
• Heart Strain/rapid heart rate
• Asthma flare-ups
