ADEM re-issues safety warning in relation to wildfire smoke

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 30, 2007

The hazy days of summer continues.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has re-issued a safety warning to the public to reduce any unnecessary outdoor activity due to the fine particle pollution associated with the wildfires in southern Georgia and northern parts of Florida.

Meteorologists with the ADEM stated, &#8220the wildfires, in conjunction with a high pressure system over the Southeast, and a lack of precipitation have created conditions that could affect the health and well being of Alabamians, especially the elderly, young, or those with respiratory problems.”

While the ADEM is reporting good quality air for those in the Mobile and Huntsville/Decatur region for the next two days, those located in Birmingham and central Alabama should see moderate air quality condition.

Moderate air quality conditions means: &#8220unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.”

The wildfires in Georgia and Florida have been burning since mid-April, charring an area that would cover the state of Rhode Island. According to the Division of Forestry in Florida there are 195 active fires across the Sunshine State. The Joint Information Center in Georgia reports 33 fires still blazing.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's air resources lab has issued a smoke forecast that attempts to target those areas most likely to be impacted by smoke plumes. Indications are that Alabama will be dealing with smoke from the wildfires in the foreseeable future.

As for rain, meterologists don't expect significant rainfall this week either.

The chance of afternoon thundershowers are more probable on Thursday than any other day this week.