The City of Jacksonville’s Environmental and Compliance Department is issuing an air quality advisory today in response to smoke from fires currently burning in the area. Elevated levels of particulate matter from the smoke have been detected and an open burning ban remains in effect.
Children, the elderly and sensitive individuals should take steps to avoid exposure by staying inside or refraining from strenuous outdoor activity. If exercising outdoors, substituting less vigorous exercise (a walk instead of a jog, for example) can be helpful. In addition, outdoor activities should be planned for times when particulate levels are lower.
The City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Quality Division maintains a
dedicated website which includes the most up-to-date Air Quality Index information for the city. Links included on the website will redirect visitors to the EPA AIRNOW website which collects the Environmental Quality Division’s data and provides the most current ozone air quality data and air quality forecast for the City of Jacksonville.