LLCHD Issues Air Quality Advisory for Smoke from Controlled Burning

Published on April 08, 2025

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today issued an air quality advisory due to smoke from controlled burning in the Flint Hills region of Kansas and Oklahoma. Smoke from these fires may reach levels that are unhealthy for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, and other respiratory or heart conditions.

“Widespread burning across the Flint Hills region on Tuesday, April 8 combined with southerly winds may cause poor air quality,” said Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Section Supervisor with LLCHD. “Moderate air quality impacts are expected, but smoke in Lancaster County may temporarily reach levels that are unhealthy for certain groups. The highest potential for smoke impacts will be late Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning, April 9.”

Breathing smoke can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause problems for some people with heart disease. People at risk should watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms should contact a medical care provider.

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the orange category, that means the air quality is unhealthy for individuals with higher sensitivity to air pollution. People at risk should watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms should contact a medical care provider. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available.

Those at risk can further protect their health when air quality is poor by staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed, using a HEPA filter, and using the re-circulate setting when using a vehicle’s heater or air conditioner.

When the AQI is in the red category or worse, the air quality is unhealthy for everyone, and everyone should follow the guidance provided above.

Smoke levels can change with the weather, the number of fires, and with how much smoke the fires create. Check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fire and Smoke Map at fire.airnow.gov for up-to-date air quality and helpful tips. You can also use the EPA’s AirNow and SmokeSense smart phone apps to track air quality.