Firefighters make 'some progress' in wildfire battle
The wildfire has burned 41,534 acres in and around the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Peat soil continues to burn down to an average depth of three feet, officials said.
Posted — UpdatedThe wildfire has been burning for more than a month. Although mostly contained, firefighters say it could burn for much longer in the organic matter of the refuge.
Unhealthy air
In the map below, the red are indicates the fire zone, where more than 40,000 acres continue to burn deep into the ground. Red markers denote areas of worst air pollution. Yellow markers indicate areas where air is dangerous to sensitive groups – the very young or very old, and those with chronic lung diseases.
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
- Reduce time outdoors. This can provide protection, especially in a tightly closed house where the air-conditioner can re-circulate air instead of bringing in outdoor air.
- Reduce time engaged in outdoor physical activity. This can be effective in lowering the dose of inhaled air pollutants.
- Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution that can emit the same pollutants found in wildfire smoke. Indoor sources such as burning cigarettes, gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, and activities such as cooking, burning candles and incense and vacuuming can greatly increase the particle levels in a home and should be avoided when wildfire smoke is present.
- coughing
- scratchy throat
- shortness of breath
- irritated sinuses
- chest pain
- headaches
- stinging eyes
- runny nose
North Carolina Baptist Men Disaster Relief is providing showers, laundry services and food to firefighters in Hyde County. To donate to the relief effort, send a check to: NCBM Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512.
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