Kansas air quality ranked as 'unhealthy' due to wildfire smoke

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansans may notice hazy skies at the start of August caused by the arrival of wildfire smoke from hundreds of miles away.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued an air quality health advisory on Friday, Aug. 1 due to wildfire smoke from Canada arriving in the Sunflower State. The KDHE reports the hazy skies and poorer air quality will likely stick around until Saturday, Aug. 2.

Kansas's Air Quality Index will likely range from 'Moderate' to 'Unhealthy' air quality during this advisory, according to the KDHE. You can find the current air quality for Kansas and fire activity in your area by clicking here.

The KDHE also recommends people take some precautions when going outside during this advisory. These include the following:

• Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
• More vulnerable people should stay inside.
• Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
• Drink lots of water.
• Reach out to your doctor if you have symptoms like chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue. 

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