An air quality advisory is in effect on Sunday due to potentially high levels of ozone and smoke.
The Clark County Department of Air Quality (DAQ) says the ozone and smoke come from the Pine Creek Fire in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Pine Creek Fire in Red Rock Canyon fully contained
Ozone and smoke can aggravate respiratory diseases like asthma. Exposure to ozone can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, even in healthy people.
DAQ offers the following tips for elevated levels of ozone:
- Stay indoors when you smell or see smoke.
- Limit outdoor activity and exertion when ozone levels are elevated – exercise makes you breathe heavier and increases the number of particulates you may inhale.
- Keep windows and doors closed. Run your air conditioner inside your house and car. Air conditioning filters out smoke and particles.
- Change your indoor air filters if they are dirty.
- Schedule activities for the morning or evening when ozone levels are usually lower.
- Substitute a less intense activity – walk instead of jog, for example.
- Reduce driving – combine errands into one trip.
- Don’t idle your car engine unnecessarily.
- Use mass transit or carpool.
- Fill up your gas tank after sunset. Try not to spill gasoline when filling up, and don’t top off your tank.
- Keep your car well maintained.
- Consider landscaping that uses less water and gas-powered equipment to maintain.
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Less fuel burned at power plants means cleaner air..
The Bureau of Land Management says that the Pine Creek Fire is expected to be fully contained by Sunday evening. The Scenic Drive in Red Rock Canyon remains open, though the Pine Creek parking lot and trails in the area will be closed until June 25.
