Photo reported at the Incident Information System Website: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2212/. This site is a gathering point for information for all fire-related and other incidents by multiple statewide agencies.
Most of Broward County, including the Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point areas, awoke to a smoke-filled environment Tuesday morning, almost as if it was burning right nearby. But the fire is actually 40 miles away in Collier County. Started on April 26, the fire has earned the nickname “Jarhead” and is located inside Big Cypress National Preserve.The Preserve is directly west of Miami-Dade and Broward County in the Everglades region between the East and West Coasts of the state. Learn more about the fire here: http://www.nps.gov/bicy/naturescience/2011-jarhead-fire.htm.
Officials are warning of health hazards and driving conditions across South Florida being impacted by the smoke, with some areas with limited visibiility, particularly in Miami near the Tamiami Trail, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.According to the NWS, the combination of patchy fog and areas of smoke from a continuing wildfire in eastern Collier County will create reduced visibilities across portions of the southern half of South Florida. Areas affected include central and eastern Collier County…the northern portion of mainland Monroe County and all of Miami -Dade and Broward Counties. Drivers across the southern half of South Florida…especially across Tamiami Trail…should exercise caution as reduced visibilities to near one half mile or even as low as one quarter of a mile are possible in isolated areas.”
Health officials at the Broward County Health Department are advising everyone to take precautions during this period of increased air pollution levels. Infants, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic diseases such as asthma are at greater risk from breathing in smoke from wildfires.
Smoke from wildfires may cause coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes and a runny nose. Problems can begin a very short time after breathing in smoke and without warning.
Broward County Health Department offers these recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
– Limit outdoor activities and remain in an air-conditioned environment, if possible.
– If you do not have an air conditioner and if 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 instructions.
– Dust masks, bandanas, or other cloths (even if wet) will not protect you from smoke.
– Contact your medical provider if you are concerned or your health gets worse.
For additional information on Broward County’s air quality forecast, contact Broward County Air Quality Division at (954) 519-1220 or visit www.broward.org/air.
