Wyoming Weather Alert Warns Young Children to Stay Indoors

The National Weather Service (NWS) in western Wyoming has broadcast an air quality alert from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality urging young children and other people sensitive to poor air quality to remain indoors on Tuesday.

Smoke from the Fish Creek Fire has worsened air quality in the area. The alert for the fire, which has surpassed 3,000 acres, was issued late Monday morning and is in place for the cities of Dubois, Riverton, Shoshoni and Lander through 1 p.m. MDT Tuesday. It warned that wildfire smoke could worsen air quality near the Wind River Basin and portions of the Tetons and Wind River Mountains.

“The Wyoming Department of Health recommends that the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time,” the alert said. “Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effects. Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, the Department of Health also advises that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions.”

As of Tuesday morning, air quality was considered “good” throughout Wyoming according to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. According to AirNow, a coalition of U.S. government and tribal agencies that monitors air quality, some areas in Wyoming had “moderate” air quality, which occurs when the Air Quality Index falls between 51 and 100. Most people can withstand moderate air quality, although some who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may be affected.

Young children are more sensitive to air pollution given that they breathe more rapidly than adults, among other factors, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“Children are physiologically more vulnerable to air pollution than adults because their brains, lungs and other organs are still developing,” a UNICEF website said. “Some air pollutants can cross the placenta and affect developing babies. Air pollution can also affect lung function and development, which continues through adolescence.”

Smoke also proved to be a problem over the weekend. NWS meteorologist Celia Hensley told Newsweek that the smoke is not expected to be as bad on Tuesday evening.

“Models show that it’s not going to plume up as much tomorrow, either,” Hensley said. However, the area is expecting some “gusty southwest winds,” which could cause smoke to plume.

In addition to the air quality alert, the NWS also issued a fire weather watch and a hazardous weather outlook in Wyoming.