California Wildfires Trigger Unhealthy Air Quality in Las Vegas
California wildfires have triggered air quality alerts throughout the Las Vegas Valley due to wildfire smoke seeping over to Las Vegas.
On Friday night, many people started to smell a strong burning scent. The sky became cloudy with residue. According to the National Weather Service, the Borel and Trout fires in California have caused wildfire smoke to drift into Las Vegas.
Clark County Issues Air Quality Alert Due To California Wildfires
Due to the wildfire smoke, Clark County’s Division of Air Quality issued an alert for Saturday and Sunday, according to the county.
The county further recommends people with respiratory illnesses to stay inside.
According to the New York Times, the wildfire smoke has also reached the East Coast due to wildfires happening in California and Canada currently.
Why Wildfire Smoke Is Dangerous
NPR reports that wildfire smoke is made from tiny particles that are ” 30 times smaller than the diameter of a strand of hair,” called PM2.5, which is why wildfire smoke can be particularly dangerous. These particles can travel deep into the lungs, bloodstream and can cause asthma attacks, sudden cardiac death and other ailments.
Experts recommend using portable air cleaners during wildfire season. They also recommend to avoid indoor pollutants like indoor candels, using gas stoves, etc.
Wildfires Across California Burn Over 300,000 Acres
Throughout California, massive fires like the Park Fire, the Borel Fire, and the Tout Fire have burned over 300,000 acres combined (and probably more now).
Officials have evacuated many people from those areas in Butte and Tehama counties and in Chico city limits, USA Today reports.
“No fatalities have been reported. The fire (Park Fire), currently only 3 percent contained, is reported to be the result of arson.”
The dry conditions and recent record-breaking temperatures have created the perfect conditions for wildfires to explode. Currently, wildfires are blazing throughout California and Canada that have been exacerbated by wind and heat.