Wildfire Smoke Over IL: What Residents Need To Know About Air Quality

As wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality across Illinois, local emergency officials are urging residents to take precautions outdoors, especially those with underlying health conditions.

Alex Vucha, public information officer for several McHenry County fire departments, said paramedics have responded to patients experiencing respiratory distress, chest pain and other medical emergencies during the period of poor air quality.

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However, those types of calls are routinely handled by EMS crews, and agencies do not categorize incidents specifically as “wildfire smoke-related,” making it difficult to determine whether smoke was a contributing factor, Vucha said.

"That said, we continue to encourage residents to follow public health guidance during periods of poor air quality. Individuals, particularly those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, older adults, young children and pregnant women, should limit prolonged outdoor activity, keep windows closed when possible, use air conditioning or air filtration if available, and seek medical attention if they experience difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or worsening respiratory symptoms," Vucha said.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an Areawide Air Pollution Action Day for Sunday and Monday as smoke and particulate levels were expected to reach the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category in parts of the state, according to the National Weather Service.

Smoke and particulates were expected to continue affecting areas across Illinois, with conditions improving from southwest to northeast Monday. Residents are encouraged to check current air quality levels before spending extended time outdoors, according to weather officials.

For those who do spend time outside, officials recommend taking breaks, watching for coughing or shortness of breath and following prescribed medical plans, including keeping rescue medication available for people with asthma.