The combination of agricultural field fires and above average southerly winds are impacting air quality in the Evansville area today. The fires are mainly located across the Ohio River in northern Kentucky. The Evansville EPA responded to a complaint about the smoke and reported the issue to the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection, as the location of these fires is outside of the EEPA’s jurisdiction. The smoke is impacting both the east and west sides of Evansville and Vanderburgh County.
While particulate matter (PM) averages are not expected to rise above the 24-hour standard, please be aware that exposure to smoke plumes is possible today as burning continues.
If you see or smell smoke outside, it may not be a good time for outdoor activities, especially if you suffer from lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, or heart disease. Monitor children’s outdoor activity if they suffer from similar issues. Also, please refrain from open burning this evening.
More information on the health effects of smoke and what you can do about it can be found on the EEPA’s website at www.evansville.in.gov or at the USEPA’s webpage at http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_events.
