JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The smoky conditions in the city of Jacksonville has prompted city leaders to issue an air quality advisory.
The
Air Quality Index for today came back 95, which is moderate. Anything over 100 would be considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The pollutant that triggered the advisory is Particulate Matter (
PM 2.5), and city environmental leaders say it's coming from nearby wildfires. The biggest smoke generator, right now, is the Okefenokee Swamp fire.
City leaders are advising children, the elderly, and those with sensitive respiratory issues to stay inside and refrain from strenuous outdoor activity. If you must exercise outside, tone down the routine if you can. For example, walk instead of run.
All open burning in Duval County has also been banned to reduce the generation of particulate matter.
The advisory is the second one this week. Similar readings triggered an alert Tuesday evening.
Click here for more information about the Air Quality Index in Jacksonville.
