By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch Where there's smoke, there's more than fire. Recent wildfires in and around Pierce County and stagnant air conditions have resulted in poor air quality, worsening the health risk for people with heart or lung disease and respiratory issues such as asthma, according to health officials. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department cautioned last week that children, the elderly and pregnant women should take precautions, as they are among the most at-risk. Officials said the public should pay attention to updated air quality reports and health warnings from news outlets and health agencies. Persons at risk should avoid physical exertion if smoke is in the air, and if advised to stay indoors, should keep indoor air as clean as possible and keep windows and doors closed, officials said. An example of such situations occurred July 13 when a large brush fire in the South Hill area burned 20 acres, poured heavy smoke into the air and threatened homes near Lipoma Firs Golf Course. Graham Fire and Rescue, which assigned 20 firefighters, was among seven fire departments that helped battle the blaze. Some residents were close to being evacuated before the fire was under control. Even then, smoke continued as the fire smoldered. Another large brush fire July 21, this one in the Roy Y area of Spanaway, also contributed to air-quality concerns. The Health Department made these suggetions for dealing with smoky or bad-air conditions: " Follow your doctor's directions on taking medicine and on managing asthma. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen. " When running an air conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the unit set to recirculate. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce indoor air pollution. " If air conditioning is not available, consider leaving the area. Information on the area's air quality is available from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at pscleanair.org.
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