(Fremont County, WY) – The National Weather Service in Riverton (NWSR) has issued Air Quality Alerts for much of Fremont County and surrounding areas, due to wildfire smoke from the Pack Trail/Fish Creek Fires near Togwotee Pass.
One of the Alerts is in effect today, October 3, through 1 PM this afternoon, for the following areas: Bighorn Mountains West, Bighorn Mountains Southeast, Northeast Johnson County, Southeast Johnson County, Wind River Basin, Lander Foothills, Natrona County Lower Elevations, and Casper Mountain, and includes the cities of Buffalo, Kaycee, Riverton, Shoshoni, Lander, and Casper.
The other Alert is specifically for Dubois, and is in effect today through 1 PM on Friday, October 4.
The NWSR advises that smoke is limiting visibilities at times, mainly near and downwind of Togwotee Pass.
The NWSR also shared the following info:
The Wyoming Department of Health recommends that the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time. Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effects. Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, the Department of Health also advises that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division offers near real-time air quality data for Wyoming`s monitoring stations and health effects information to help the public interpret current conditions. Current air quality conditions across the state of Wyoming can be found at http://www.wyvisnet.com/.
Up-to-date air quality conditions can be tracked here.