UPDATE, 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 4: A new air quality alert focusing on Jackson Hole, the Tetons and the Gros Ventres has been issued and will remain in effect until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Original story, published on Sept. 3:
JACKSON, Wyo. — The National Weather Service’s Riverton office has issued an Air Quality Alert in northwestern Wyoming due to wildfire smoke from the Fish Creek Fire. The alert is in effect until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
Portions of northwestern Wyoming and the upper Wind River Basin are experiencing limited visibility and poor air quality, according to the alert. Local air quality has been an issue on and off as the wildfire continues to evolve. The Wyoming Dept. of Health (WDH) is recommending that sensitive groups — the elderly, young children and people with respiratory problems — minimize time spent outdoors while the smoke is present.
“Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effects,” WDH said via the alert. “Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, the Department of Health also advises that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions.”
Keep an eye on air quality using the the AirNow fire and smoke map.
