MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A mulch fire on Summer Avenue is creating dangerous air pollution that could be hazardous to your health.
You have probably smelled the smoke, but the Shelby County Health Department said for many living near it, it is more than just stinky.
John Knight lives near the fire and said the smoke got so bad Tuesday night, he had to send his wife, who has breathing issues, to a hotel.
“She has problems with her lungs and has a heart condition. So, it was burning her mouth, her throat,” he said.
The current air quality reached the Code Orange category, which means people with certain health conditions are at risk. Earlier it was a Code Red in the area, meaning everyone was potentially at risk.
Bob Rogers, the manager of pollution control in the Shelby County Health Department said a healthy air quality index number is below 50. Anything above 150 is considered unhealthy for people with medical conditions.
“If you’re in a heavily concentrated area, you should slow down, kind of avoid prolonged outdoor exertion,” Rogers said.
The elderly, children and those with asthma and allergies are especially vulnerable. Rogers said the best thing you can do is stay inside until the smoke clears.
“It’s that time of year when we get what’s called a temperature inversion that occurs overnight into early in the morning, and that’s what really holds the plume very, very close to the ground. There’s very little wind to stir it up and dissipate it.”
Knight and his family are taking that warning a step further.
“If the wind shifts and starts blowing out of the north, northwest, we’re out of here. In fact, were already planning on getting out of here.”
