DAYTON — Parts of the Miami Valley are under an Air Quality Alert as smoke from the Canadian wildfires is making its way into the Miami Valley.
The Air Quality Alert has been extended until Wednesday for all areas of Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble Counties, according to the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.
>>’It is kind of smoky outside;’ Air Quality Alert issued for parts of region
“Wildfire smoke from Canadian Wildfires continues to persist in the Miami Valley Region resulting in high PM2.5 levels,” it said in a news release.
The Air Quality Index forecast for Wednesday is 105.
Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Britley Ritz says the smoke is also dropping the visibilities across the area.
During an Air Quality Alert, the Miami Valley Regional Commission is asking people to take the following action to reduce air pollution:
- Avoid driving if possible. Vehicle emissions cause almost 50% of ground-level ozone. Carpool or take transit or for short trips, walk or ride a bike.
- Refuel your vehicle after 8:00 p.m. or if possible, wait until after the Air Quality Alert expires. Vapors from gasoline contribute to the smog problem. By refueling after 8:00 p.m. when it’s cooler, smog doesn’t form as easily. Make sure your gas cap fits tightly so gas fumes don’t escape and contribute to the smog problem.
- Limit use of gasoline-powered equipment, such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, power trimmers, and shredders. Operating a gasoline-powered lawnmower for one hour produces the same amount of pollution as driving a car! Try using non-motorized or battery-powered equipment instead.
- Mow your lawn in the evening when the sunlight is not as strong, and smog is less likely to form.