Los Angeles, Chicago, and other large cities suffer from smog and Laramie has been hit hard this summer with hazy smoke filling the air.
Fires from California, Canada, and other Western regions have polluted the air over many parts of the United States, including Wyoming.
Just as the air was clearing from previous fires this summer, a fire in the Britania Mountains west of Wheatland flared up at the beginning of the week. According to K2 Radio, the fire spans 19,000 acres and is spreading.
Pre-evacuation notices have been issued for areas north of Laramie that include Green Mountain and Palmer Canyon. These measures are precautionary in case the fire continues to grow. Approximately 200 firefighters are working to get the fire under control, including a crew all the way from Florida. Crews from other states are presumed to be arriving as well.
Smoke may look harmless, but wild fire smoke can be a big concern to health. Smoke is made up of minute solid, gas, and liquid particles, which people expose themselves to and breath in.,
“We obviously see the flames from afar, but we really need to pay attention to the smoke as well. Use your common-sense monitor,” said Public Information Officer, Kim Deti, from the Wyoming Department of Health
When smoke clouds the air it is not an ideal time to be outside. “If the air is very visibly smoky, really no one should be out running a marathon and avoid outdoor exercise” Deti said. Older people, younger children, people with heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma are the people that are at higher risk and need to watch out when smoke is clearly visible and in the air, Deti informed.
There have been a few recent cases where asthmatic people are going to hospitals, but there is no information if it is linked to the Britania fire. Wheatland residents have also reported a layer of ashes on their cars. If it is clearly smoky outside, the best thing to do is limit time spent outside.
Braeden Sersland
