County Health Department Warns of Poor Air Quality, Health Risks

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The smokey haze from a Minnesota wildfire continues to engulf much of northern Illinois and area health officials say the elderly, children and those with respiratory or cardiac problems should take caution. 

The Pagami Creek Fire began on Aug. 18 after a lightning strike, the National Weather Service reported. The fire had grown to about 4,500 acres by Sunday, Sept. 11.

Radar shows the smokey plume emanating from the fire and heading south, toward the Chicago area. The National Weather Service reported that northwesterly winds brought the smoke into Wisconsin and then onto to northern Illinois.

The McHenry County Health Department is warning residents that "air quality will likely remain unhealthy at times in parts of McHenry County this afternoon and evening," according to a statement on the MCDH website. 

Smoke in the area could be a health risk especially for asthma or breathing ailments, said Joseph Gugle, McHenry County Department of Health administrative manager.

David Christensen of the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency said he contacted the National Weather Service and was told the the fire could be increasing in size over the next few days. North-northwest winds would continue to blow smoke into northern Illinois.

Christensen said the smoke could be a serious issue for people with respiratory problems, young children or elderly people.

"For healthy individuals, jogging this evening is out. For those at risk, the best bet is stay inside with filtered air," Christensen said.

The National Weather Service states that the conditions are likely to continue overnight, until winds become more westerly.

The MCDH offers the following tips for staying safe until the air quality improves: 

• Leave the area if you are at greater risk from breathing smoke
• Limit your exposure to smoke outdoors and indoors
• Stay inside and use your air conditioner
• If you do not have an air conditioner or smoke is likely to get inside your house, leave the area until the smoke is completely gone 
• Avoid activities that put extra demands on your lungs and heart. These include exercising or physical chores, both outdoors and indoors. 
• Make sure you take all your medications according to the doctor’s directions. 
• Contact your doctor if your health gets worse. 
• An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke.