The city of Jacksonville’s Environmental Quality Division issued an air-quality advisory, as particulate matter clogged the air Friday.
Smoke from forest fires in southeast Duval County is contributing to elevated particulate matter concentrations.
Florida Forest Service said a lightning strike on Wednesday sparked a fire that is causing heavy smoke in between the University of North Florida and Mayo Clinic. The San Pablo fire was about 15 football fields large and 75 percent contained.
Children, the elderly and sensitive individuals should take steps to avoid exposure by staying inside or refraining from strenuous outdoor activity. If exercising outdoors, substituting less vigorous exercise (a walk instead of a jog, for example) could be helpful.
The Environmental Quality Division maintains a dedicated web site which includes the most up-to-date Air Quality Index information for the city. Links available on the site will redirect you to EPA AIRNOW, which collects the Environmental Quality Division’s data and provides the most current air quality data and forecasts for the City of Jacksonville.
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