Air quality alert issued due to smoke

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Smoke has moved into the Albuquerque area Friday because of a prescribed burn happening in the Jemez Mountains.

Friday was to be the third and final day of the burn about five miles northeast of Jemez Springs, according to a statement from the Santa Fe National Forest.

About 300 acres were to be burned Friday to remove hazardous fuels and improve forest health. The project covered about 7,000 acres on Wednesday and Thursday.

About 100 personnel are working the burn.

The Environment Health Department has issued a health alert since the smoke could linger through Friday afternoon. This notice is in effect for the following period:

Friday, October 19, 2012 at 900 AM

to

Friday, October 19, 2012 at 200 PM

Officials suggest residents to take precautions when outdoors.

• Keep windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort, use air conditioners or heating systems on recycle/recirculation mode. Avoid using swamp coolers that can circulate outdoor air inside.
• Limit time spent outdoors.
• If symptoms of heart or lung disease occur, (including severe coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness) contact your health care provider.
• Individuals with heart or lung disease should follow their health management plan from their health care provider. Asthmatic individuals should follow a prescribed asthma management plan. If conditions are creating a health emergency, call 911 or seek medical attention at the nearest medical facility.
• Avoid physical activity outdoors.
• Motorist use recirculated air while using air-conditioning during smoke events.