State issues smoke advisory in wake of fires

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Departments of Health and Environment today issued a smoke advisory for communities affected by the various fires burning in New Mexico, including the Frijoles Fire in the Pecos Wilderness. 

“When smoke from wildfires is affecting outdoor air quality, New Mexicans can protect their health by staying indoors and setting up a clean room designed to keep smoke levels as low as possible,” said Dr. Chelsea Langer, bureau chief of the environmental health epidemiology bureau for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “People can use the 5-3-1 visibility method to estimate local air quality.”

The 5-3-1 visibility method is based on what you see and can help you decide when to limit time outdoors: 

• Under 5 miles visibility, people more likely to be affected by smoke should reduce outdoor time.  These higher risk groups include young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart and/or lung disease, and asthma or other respiratory illness.
• Under 3 miles visibility, people more likely to be affected by smoke should stay inside.
• Under 1 mile visibility, the air quality is unhealthy, and everyone should stay inside unless an evacuation has been issued. 

“As smoke from any fire impacts the state, we encourage residents to stay informed and take steps to protect their health,” said Cindy Hollenberg, air quality bureau chief for the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). “NMED works with the U.S. Forest Service to deploy air quality monitors and provide data that helps communities understand local smoke conditions and make informed decisions.” 

Residents can also improve indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events using indoor air cleaners including Do-It-Yourself options. Visit https://www.epa.gov/air-research/research-diy-air-cleaners-reduce-wildfire-smoke-indoors for guidance on how to make Do-It-Yourself air cleaners. For instructions on setting up a clean room, visit https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/create-clean-room-protect-indoor-air-quality-during-wildfire.

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El estado emite un aviso sobre el humo debido a los incendios