Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is reminding residents across the state to be cautious about smoke exposure as prescribed burns continue this month.
In a new advisory shared Friday, ADEQ emphasized the message: “If you’re smelling smoke, you’re breathing smoke.” Officials said that while prescribed burns help reduce wildfire risk, they can temporarily impact local air quality.
According to ADEQ, the agency works closely with fire managers to plan burns under the best possible weather conditions—choosing days with optimal wind patterns and humidity levels to minimize smoke accumulation and improve air dispersion.
Residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activity if smoke is visible or noticeable, particularly those with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions. The agency also encourages checking daily air quality updates at azdeq.gov/smoke for real-time information on local conditions.
ADEQ’s reminder coincides with National Fire Prevention Month and Lung Health Day, highlighting the importance of balancing effective forest management with public health protection.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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