Jun 24, 2008 11:51 am US/Pacific
Reno Air Declared "Unhealthy" Due To Wildfires
RENO, NV. (AP) ―
Health officials declared the air quality "unhealthful" for the Reno-Sparks area today (Tuesday) due to thick smoke in the region from hundreds of wildfires burning in California.
People with respiratory problems, elderly and young children were advised to remain inside with windows closed. The Air Quality Management Division of the Washoe District Health Department also recommended people avoid prolonged outdoor activity while the smoke persists.
The smoke is contributing to elevated particulate pollution levels. It also has reduced visibility to 3 miles to 5 miles in Reno, obscuring any sign of the Sierra Nevada typically visible from downtown.
Most of the smoke in Reno area is attributed to a complex of California fires east of Chico as well as those burning near Lake Davis, Bieber, Blue Canyon and Yosemite National Park. However, the National Weather Service says there are hundreds of fires further west which also are contributing to the smoke across the area.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Stumble It!
Comments