Deja vu? Canadian wildfire affects being felt in Central Illinois

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Canadian wildfires are burning thousands of miles away, but the affects are starting to be felt here in Central Illinois.

Air quality is getting worse from the smoke, and some people may want to be careful over the next few days.

Last year , you could feel the smoke in the air when you took a breath. We had two periods in June where the smoke reached ground level and the air quality reached “ unhealthy levels .”

This year is not as bad.

We are at a moderate level and the smoke should clear over the next couple of days, but Carle Pulmonologist Brent Kaufmann said anyone whose lungs aren’t fully functioning should be careful, like people with COPD or asthma. Those people may experience trouble breathing or flared lungs.

He said the best way to avoid discomfort is to stay inside.

“Closing windows, closing doors — as much as we like to get fresh air in when that’s bad — you don’t want to get that extra fresh air in,” Kaufmann said. “Also, using things like HEPA filters, purifiers, these sorts of things make a big difference. If you do have to go outside for a prolonged period of time, you can use things such as masks.”

Kaufmann said if the air quality is making it hard to breathe, you should see your doctor. If you are sensitive to particle pollution, doctors say you should also consider limiting your activities outdoors.

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