JACKSON, Wyo. — With smoke drifting into the valley from multiple wildland fires burning across the state, the Teton County Health Department (TCHD) has advised residents to limit their smoke exposure.
In the past two weeks, Governor Mark Gordon has issued two Executive Orders, declaring an emergency in response to the Red Canyon Fire in Fremont County, the Spring Creek Fire near Ten Sleep, the Sleeper Ranch Fire near Meeteetse, the Dollar Lake Fire in the Green River Lakes area in Sublette County and the Willow Creek Fire near Smoot.
According to AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map, downtown Jackson’s air quality index (AQI) is 90, as of Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 9:45 a.m. An AQI of 51 to 100 falls into the “Moderate” category, which states that “unusually sensitive people” should consider reducing their outside activity and go inside if they experience any symptoms.
“Everyone should consider avoiding prolonged outdoor exercise when the AQI exceeds 200 and if our local air is ‘Very Unhealthy’ or ‘Hazardous’ as defined by AirNow,” Teton County District Health Officer Travis Riddell said via press release. “Those at-risk should be especially careful in limiting their smoke exposure.”
The TCHD wrote via press release that it has accumulated more information over the past few years regarding potential health impacts, since wildfire smoke has become more prevalent in the mountain west. Wildfire smoke can hurt the eyes, aggravate respiratory problems and worsen the symptoms of heart or lung disease. At-risk individuals include people who have pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions, including allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The TCHD wrote that wildland fire smoke poses a higher risk to older adults due to their increased likelihood of existing heart or lung conditions. Children are also particularly susceptible because their airways are still developing and they inhale more air relative to their body weight compared to adults.
The TCHD has recommended these tips for mitigating the health effects of wildfire smoke. Additional information on how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke can be found here.
