Smoke invades county

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Dense smoke from ongoing western wildfires is being blown into Marion County, and health officials say people should take precautions until it’s over.

According to the Kansas Department of Health, most of the smoke remains high in the atmosphere, but some is reaching the ground. The situation could last until the western wildfires are put out.

Wanda Manickam, nurse at Marion County Health Department, said people should choose less strenuous outdoor activities — walking, instead of running, for example.

Older adults, children, and people with heart or lung disease should shorten the amount of time they are outside, Manickam said.

“I encourage people who are in sensitive groups to be careful out there,” Manickam said.

Smoke can cause problems even for healthy people, KDHE said. Common problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis.

Closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with filters will help, KDHE said.