Health Department warns of poor air quality due to wildfires

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Due to a cold front arriving to the area later Saturday and into Sunday, smoke from the Tres Lagunas fire is expected to most significantly impact the Santa Fe Metro area, Espanola and the Pecos Canyon. Potentially unhealthy conditions could occur in these communities overnight and into the early morning.

The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Environment Department recommend residents in these communities take precautions to minimize any health impacts from the smoke. If air quality is unhealthy as defined below, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should avoid prolonged or heavy physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors.



·     Face away from the sun.


When the category of visibility is ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive People’ or worse, take these steps:

1       If you are sensitive to smoke, evacuate the area if you can. If you choose to stay, remain indoors with the doors and windows closed.

2.     If available, use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter on your air conditioner to reduce the amount of smoke pulled into your home from the outdoors. A HEPA filter may reduce the number of irritating fine particles in indoor air. Do not use swamp coolers when there are high levels of smoke outdoors because most coolers of this type will pull the smoke indoors.

3.     During high temperatures, older individuals or those in frail health who do not have an air conditioner are advised to stay with family members or friends who do.

4.     Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution such as smoking cigarettes or burning incense.

5.     Recognize the symptoms of smoke exposure and pay attention to visibility.

6.     For severe shortness of breath, chest pain, decreased mental function or other life threatening conditions, call 911 immediately.

7.     Listen for news updates on the fire and smoke in your area. Continue to follow all precautions and instructions given by fire management authorities.

Both the Tres Lagunas fire and the Thompson Ridge fires are expected to continue to put up visible smoke for several days, impacting communities downwind from the fire.

The New Mexico Environment Department and the U.S. Forest Service operate air quality monitoring equipment at multiple locations around the state. The monitors gather information about air quality conditions and help to keep the public informed.

Stay with LAMonitor.com for the latest updates on this rapidly developing situation...