State issues smoke advisory as Frijoles Fire continues to burn

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health today issued a smoke advisory in collaboration with the New Mexico Environment Department for communities affected by the growing Frijoles Fire in the Pecos Wilderness and Santa Fe National Forest.

“With decreasing air quality impacting New Mexicans in the area of the fire, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) encourages residents to stay indoors and set up a clean room, which is a place designed to keep inside air as clean as possible,” said Dr. Chelsea Langer, bureau chief of the environmental health epidemiology bureau for NMDOH. “To keep indoor air clean, limit how much outdoor air is coming inside, and keep air that is already inside clean by not burning candles or incense, not using air fresheners or other strong scented products, and not smoking or vaping indoors.”

In addition to its current ambient air quality network, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has deployed two additional air monitors at the Nambe Community Center and the Harold L. Runnels Building with a third planned for Mora to measure the fine particulate matter that is associated with wildfire smoke.

This monitoring data helps inform individual communities about air quality in real time as measured by the “Air Quality Index.” Higher numbers under the Air Quality Index indicate greater levels of air pollution and higher health risks. Communities can visit the Fire and Smoke Map athttps://fire.airnow.gov/ to check real-time air monitoring data and Air Quality Index readings.

“We have been proactively working with government partners to ensure communities have the most up-to-date information available through our monitoring system,” said Cindy Hollenberg, Air Quality Bureau Chief for the New Mexico Environment Department. “Fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke can contribute to respiratory issues and other health impacts with higher risk community members, which is why we want to provide as much data as possible.”

In addition to the Air Quality Index, New Mexico residents can also use the “5-3-1 visibility method” to help decide when to limit time outdoors:

• Under 5 miles visibility, people more likely to be affected by smoke should reduce outdoor time.  These higher risk groups include young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart and/or lung disease, and asthma or other respiratory illness.
• Under 3 miles visibility, people more likely to be affected by smoke should stay inside.
• Under 1 mile visibility, the air quality is unhealthy, and everyone should stay inside unless an evacuation has been issued.

Residents can also take measures to improve indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events using indoor air cleaners including Do-It-Yourself options. Visit https://www.epa.gov/air-research/research-diy-air-cleaners-reduce-wildfire-smoke-indoors for guidance on how to make Do-It-Yourself air cleaners.

For instructions on setting up a clean room, visit https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/create-clean-room-protect-indoor-air-quality-during-wildfire.

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El Estado emite un aviso de humo debido a que el incendio de Frijoles sigue activo