Local residents, including people with heart and lung disease, are advised to stay indoors Saturday because of smoke levels from agricultural burning, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said.
Southerly winds and extensive, controlled burning in the MidwestÌý— particularly the Flint Hills area of KansasÌý— are predicted to expose residents of Lincoln and all of Southeast Nebraska to unhealthy air, said Chris Schroeder, air quality supervisor at the Health Department.
“The forecast indicates that our community is likely to be impacted this weekend,†Schroeder said.Ìý
Particles and gases in smoke can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema and cause angina (chest pain) in people with heart disease, Schroeder said.
Older adults and children may also be sensitive to the smoke levels. Avoiding strenuous activities is advised.
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Residents are also advised to keep windows and doors closed and use the “re-circulate†air setting in their vehicle.
The Health Department monitors Air Quality Index hourly at (keyword: air, click on air quality link).
Schroeder said later Friday that air quality was unhealthy for everyone.
Farmers in the Flint Hills area of Kansas are allowed to burn up to 2 million acres of grassland each year to produce better grass for their cattle.
Because of wet weather last month, farmers haven’t been able to burn. It's now near the end of the farmers' time frame to get the burn finished, said Jim Burnstock of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.Ìý