A landfill fire on the Salt River Indian Reservation continues to burn, raising concerns about air quality and public health. The fire, which started on September 28, has been burning for over a week and is expected to continue to burn for several more weeks.
Smoke from the fire has been visible for miles, and air quality officials have issued warnings to residents in the area to avoid outdoor activity. The smoke contains harmful pollutants that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and can cause difficulty breathing, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory problems.
The Salt River Indian Reservation is located just northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, and is home to over 10,000 people. The landfill is located near a residential area, and many residents are concerned about the potential health impacts of the smoke.
“I’m worried about my kids,” said one resident. “They have asthma, and I’m worried that the smoke will make their asthma worse.”
The Salt River Indian Reservation Fire Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are working to extinguish the fire, but it has been difficult to control due to the high temperatures and dry conditions. The fire is expected to continue to burn for several more weeks, and residents in the area should continue to avoid outdoor activity and take precautions to protect their health.
How to protect yourself from smoke exposure:
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Close all windows and doors.
- Use an air conditioner to circulate indoor air.
- If you must go outside, wear a mask to protect yourself from the smoke.
- If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, make sure you have your medication on hand and use it as directed by your doctor.
If you have any concerns about your health or the health of your family, please contact your doctor or the Salt River Indian Reservation Health Department.
