Heavy wildfire smoke was especially noticeable in the Uintah Basin on Sunday thanks to the Widemouth Fire in Fillmore, Utah, according to officials. For those especially vulnerable, the wildfire smoke can have immediate health effects but all would benefit from taking steps to protect your health from wildfire smoke. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services shares that wildfire smoke is a mixture of hazardous gases and fine particles that can cause runny nose, irritated sinuses, headaches, fatigue, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, scratchy throat, chest pain, fast heartbeat, and asthma attacks. The effects are most common for those with pre-existing health conditions and those especially sensitive, including infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The best thing to do to protect yourself and your family is to limit your exposure to smoke. Stay indoors whenever possible with doors and windows closed. Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution. Use a portable air cleaner to reduce indoor air pollution. When driving, keep windows closed with air conditioning set to recirculate and drink plenty of water.
