Reno issues air quality advisory because of smoke

RENO -- Health officials declared the air quality "unhealthful" for the Reno-Sparks area on Tuesday because of thick smoke in the region from hundreds of wildfires burning in California.

People with respiratory problems, the elderly and young children were advised to remain inside with the windows closed.

The Air Quality Management Division of the Washoe District Health Department also recommended people avoid prolonged outdoor activity while the smoke persists.

The smoke was contributing to elevated particulate pollution levels -- about five times greater than is typically measured on a good air quality day, said Andy Goodrich, director of Air Quality Management for the department.

It also reduced visibility to as low as 3 miles in Reno, obscuring any sign of the Sierra Nevada typically seen from downtown, officials said.

"We recommend staying indoors, closing windows and using air conditioning instead, and avoiding participation in strenuous activities outside," he said.

On Monday, Clark County air quality officials issued an advisory about smoke from California wildfires creating a haze in the Las Vegas area, but they said the air was not expected to reach unhealthful levels.