Celebratory fireworks are expected to light up the skies over the Vegas Valley throughout the 4th of July weekend. Because fireworks also may result in elevated levels of lingering smoke in the air, Clark County’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is issuing a smoke advisory from Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6. DAQ officials insist the advisory is cautionary and not intended to dampen people’s spirits.
“Who doesn’t love a good fireworks show?” quipped DAQ forecaster Paul Fransioli. “But folks with breathing issues may want to take precaution if they’re near where fireworks are being discharged, increasing particulate matter pollution in the air.”
Smoke is made of small dust particulates and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases and contribute to ground-level ozone formation. These pollutants can also aggravate respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma or heart disease. Consult your physician if you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to air quality conditions. Under moderate or worse air quality conditions, it may be best for children, older adults and people with respiratory and heart disease to stay indoors.
Air Quality Smoke Advisory Issued for 4th of July Fireworks, cont.
HELPFUL TIPS TO LIMIT PERSONAL EXPOSURE TO SMOKE
- Stay indoors when you see or smell smoke.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Limit outdoor exertion on days with high levels of fine particles in the air. Exercise makes you breathe heavier and increases the amount of particulates you are likely to inhale.
- Consider changing your indoor air filters if they are dirty.
STAY UP TO DATE WITH AIR QUALITY INFORMATION
The Department of Environment and Sustainability monitors air pollution through a network of monitoring sites throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Data is collected from these sites and reported at our monitoring website: DESAQMonitoring.ClarkCountyNV.gov. People can stay informed through a couple channels:
- Daily Air Quality Forecast Website: DESAQMonitoring.ClarkCountyNV.gov.
- Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClarkCountyDES; Twitter/X: @ClarkCountyDES and Instagram: @clarkcountydes.
- Daily Text/Email Alerts: www.enviroflash.org.
- AIRNow Mobile App: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/.
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Located in Clark County, Nevada, the Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is the region’s air pollution control agency. DES also administers the Desert Conservation Program and leads the All-In Clark County initiative to address climate impacts in Southern Nevada. Whether it’s protecting the air we share, protecting species like the desert tortoise or making home and vehicle electrification easier for residents, our team is united by our shared passion to create a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable Southern Nevada.
Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.4 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year (2023). Included are the nation’s 5th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.