Sept. 4, 2024. Reno, Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health’s (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Reno-Sparks area due to wildfire smoke.
The Bear Fire, burning approximately 25 miles west of Reno, will continue to blow smoke to the area. Forecasts predict air quality will hit the “Moderate” range (51-100) on the Air Quality Index (AQI) to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (101-150 on the AQI), which is a concern for people who are sensitive to air pollution, and those who may experience health effects.
Smoke from the Bear Fire is expected to have the greatest impact in the evening of Thursday, Sept. 5, through the morning hours of Friday, Sept. 6.
All residents in impacted areas are encouraged to regularly monitor the air quality nearest them on EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map and limit outdoor exposure when you see or smell smoke.
AQMD recommends residents Be Smoke Smart. Protect yourself and others through the following actions:
- People in sensitive groups (children, elderly, and those with heart or lung disease) should consider reducing any outdoor activity and stay indoors
- Make sure to keep all windows and doors closed
- Keep indoor air clean. Do not vacuum, light candles, fry food or smoke.
- Create a clean air room
- Check EPA’s Fire and Smoke map for an AQI nearest you
- Sign up for real-time Air Quality notifications on EnviroFlash
For more information on NNPH’s Air Quality Management Division, visit OurCleanAir.com.
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Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.
Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.