St. Lucie County - Monday September 11, 2022: The Glades Mulch Fire that broke out on Thursday, August 25 following a lightning strike, is continuing to produce large amounts of smoke and is expected to continue for the next several weeks.
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County cautions citizens that smoke is a respiratory irritant, which can cause scratchy throat, or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke coming from this fire could possibly worsen asthma, and other chronic lung or heart conditions.
Protect your family from smoke:
• Pay attention to local air quality reports, news coverage or health warnings related to smoke,
• Avoid prolonged outdoor activities. This is especially important for children and persons with pre-existing medical conditions,
• Stay indoors and run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. For best results, run the air conditioning with recirculated air,
• Help keep particle levels lower inside. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves, candles, and cigarettes. Do not vacuum, which may stir up particles already inside your home.
Follow your doctor’s advice about taking medicines and following your asthma management plan if you have asthma or other lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Individuals should contact their doctor if they feel they have difficulty breathing due to the smoke. Individuals with underlying medical conditions such as allergies, sinus problems, asthma and chronic lung diseases should contact their medical provider if they have concerns about their condition.
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the hospital emergency room immediately.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit - www.FloridaHealth.gov.