Raúl Torrez Attorney General | State of New Mexico
The New Mexico Departments of Health and Environment have issued a smoke advisory for areas affected by the Trout Fire near Silver City and the Buck Fire close to Aragon. The advisory is effective in Grant and Catron counties until at least mid-afternoon on Tuesday, June 17.
Smoke from the Buck Fire may be visible from Highway 12 southeast of Aragon and southwest of Highway 60. The Trout Fire is expected to move north and east, influenced by wind direction and weather conditions. Smoke can travel far, potentially affecting air quality as distant as Las Cruces.
Dr. Chelsea Langer, Bureau Chief of the Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau, said: "New Mexicans can take simple steps to protect their health when the outdoor air quality is diminished due to smoke from wildland fires." She advised using the 5-3-1 visibility method, minimizing outdoor time, and maintaining a clean indoor environment.
The public can visit https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html for guidance on using the 5-3-1 method and other health tips during smoky conditions. If visibility drops below five miles, it poses health risks for young children, seniors over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with heart or lung diseases or respiratory illnesses. These groups should limit outdoor activities. Visibility under three miles requires these groups to stay indoors. If visibility falls below one mile, everyone should remain inside unless an evacuation order is given.
Cindy Hollenberg, Air Quality Bureau Chief for the New Mexico Environment Department, emphasized: "As smoke from the Trout and Buck fires affects communities in Grant and Catron counties, we urge residents to stay alert and take steps to protect their health." She assured that monitoring will continue to provide accurate data for informed decision-making.
Residents are encouraged to improve indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events using air cleaners or Do-It-Yourself (DIY) air cleaners. Guidance on DIY air cleaners is available through Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors | US EPA.
Additionally, measures may be needed to keep homes cool without using swamp coolers that draw in outside air. NMDOH provides tips at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/health/climate/HeatIllness.html.
Information from this article can be found here.
