When Jennifer Murray left her dorm Wednesday morning, she expected to be greeted by Florida sunshine.
Instead, the 21-year-old English junior walked into thick smoke from nearby wildfires.
With smoke infiltrating the air from several wildfires last week, the Alachua County Health Department issued a newsletter Friday recommending that residents avoid breathing in the smoke for too long.
The department received several calls from citizens asking whether it is safe to go outside during smoky conditions, said Anthony Dennis, the environmental health director of the Alachua County Health Department.
Dennis said it is safe, but he said it’s best to try to stay indoors with the air conditioner running. The department warned citizens that smoke is a “respiratory irritant” that can bother people’s eyes, noses and throats.
Dennis said those with preexisting conditions, such as asthma, should be especially careful.
“If they start experiencing any distress, they need to seek medical attention immediately,” he said.
The health department has not yet had any injuries reported due to smoke inhalation, Dennis said.
While the smoke seems to be clearing up since Wednesday, Dennis said the department has inspectors who will be monitoring conditions for safety.
