Wildfires in the area are creating smoky conditions, forcing the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau to encourage residents to take precautions if they smell smoke or are in an area near the wildfires.
A temperature inversion has occurred this morning creating a layer of smoke that has not dissipated. The air quality is expected to improve later this morning as the inversion lifts.
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau encourages residents to take precautions if they smell smoke or are in an area near the wildfires. They encourage residents to:
*Stay indoors with the windows and doors closed.
*Avoid running the air conditioner if possible. If it cannot be avoided, run the air conditioner in your home or car with the fresh air intake closed.
*Minimize or avoid outdoor activities, especially physical exertion during smoky conditions.
*Monitor air quality conditions.
*People in high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, older adults, those with lung disease, including COPD or asthma, should limit outside activities.
*Additionally, small pets can also be impacted by unhealthy air and should be brought indoors if possible.