Fires in the Uintah Basin are affecting air quality and TriCounty Health urges all to take precautions. “Anyone with a chronic heart or respiratory ailments are most at risk,” shares TriCounty Medical Advisor, Dr. Karl Breitenbach. “These individuals should take appropriate precautions and measures to protect themselves from unnecessary exposure to wildfire pollutants in order to protect their health.” Precautions include staying indoors as much as possible and wearing a respirator or dust mask when outdoors. “With the fire at only 2 percent containment,” shared TriCounty Health Director Jordan Mathis, “we anticipate that the poor air quality may exist for quite some time throughout the Uintah Basin. While these conditions linger, we encourage all people to avoid unnecessary exposure to the smoke and particulate pollutants.” TriCounty Health is providing masks to those affected by the smoke in the air. The respiratory protective masks are available at TriCounty Health Department in Roosevelt and Vernal as well as at Duchesne High School. To monitor air quality, visit
ubair.usu.edu
.
