Local air quality in Downtown Jacksonville spikes to unhealthy levels as crews fight apartment fire
The weather has been difficult for firefighters with low humidity and gusty winds. Skies are sunny but filled with smoke around the Sports Complex and Southbank. The apartment fire near the Sports Complex in downtown Jacksonville has resulted in poor air quality due to low humidity and gusty winds. The poor conditions have affected local air quality since 2 a.m. on the morning, with the smoke blowing towards Empire Point and the Gate Bridge. A pollution sensor near the Baseball Grounds listed fine particle pollution over 225, ranking as one of the top five worst reporting sites around the world for a couple of hours at sunrise. The unhealthy levels of air particles have decreased since then but will likely remain unhealthy for sensitive groups until all smoke is extinguished. Those with sensitive groups, such as children and teenagers, older adults, people with heart or respiratory problems, and those who exercise or work outdoors, should consider wearing a mask and taking frequent breaks. Schools, child and adult care facilities, employers, and activities programs should plan for more indoor activities or reduce outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy. The smoke smell will continue to linger in downtown and intensify tonight as winds calm.
Published : 4 months ago by Mark Collins in Weather Environment
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The weather has been difficult for firefighters with low humidity and gusty winds. Skies are sunny but filled with smoke around the Sports Complex and Southbank.
Today is not as warm with gusty NW breezes keeping us cool but not cold. Look for mostly sunny skies with temps in the low 60s today.
The apartment fire near the Sports Complex resulted in poor air quality since 2 a.m. Morning air quality has spiked to very unhealthy levels around the stadium with the smoke blowing toward Empire Point and the Gate Bridge.
A pollution sensor near the Baseball Grounds listed fine particle pollution over 225 which ranked as one of the top five worst reporting sites around the world for a couple of hours at sunrise today. The poor air is confined and not detected at any other locations.
Use this link to monitor the fluctuating air condition.
The unhealthy levels of air particles from smoke have decreased since then but will likely remain unhealthy for sensitive groups until all smoke is exhausted.
• None Spend more time indoors. This is especially important for at-risk groups (“sensitive groups”), like children and teenagers, older adults, people with heart or respiratory problems, pregnant people, and those who exercise or work outdoors.
• None Turn off the HVAC if it draws in outside air.
• None People who must spend time outdoors should consider wearing a mask (use the best well-fitting face mask you have on hand. A N95 or KN95 will work best), take frequent breaks, and adjust work or exercise schedules for when air conditions improve.
• None Schools, child and adult care facilities, employers and activities programs should plan for more indoor activities or reduce outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy.
The smoke smell will linger in the surrounding downtown and intensify tonight as the winds go calm.
Tonight dips down into the mid-40s at the coast with mid to upper 30s in town. Areas west of I-295 and across inland Georgia could have frost by the morning.
The week stays dry until Sunday and highs will be in the 60s all week.
Topics: ESG