Atlantic County health officials are reminding residents to take precautions as a wildfire reached 2,000 acres in Bass River State Forest.
The compromised air quality can pose a threat to those with heart and lung conditions, pregnant women, older adults, children and outdoor workers.
Those with asthma or other lung conditions are advised to follow their respiratory management plans. Anyone having a hard time breathing or if their normal symptoms worsen should see a doctor.
People with chronic diseases should check with their healthcare provider about precautions needed ahead of smoke events.
To help limit exposure to wildfire smoke residents may consider staying indoors, limiting outdoor physical activity, using respiratory protection appropriately and keeping windows closed to help keep indoor air as clean as possible.
Several online resources are available to obtain information about active wildfires and the air quality in your neighborhood. The New Jersey Forest Fire Services (https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/fire/) and The AirNow website (www.airnow.gov) provide reports based on the Air Quality Index, which is a nationally uniform index for reporting and predicting daily air quality across the country.
