DALLAS — If you've noticed hazy skies in North Texas the last few days, it's not from fires here.
The largest active fire in Texas is the Crittenburg Complex fire in Coryell County in Central Texas, near Killeen. At last check, the fire has burned over 17,000 acres. This is located near Fort Hood in Central Texas just south of Gatesville.
The smoke from the fires has made its way to North Texas. A strong south and southwesterly wind has brought the smoke just over 100 miles north into DFW. It is the reason why a haze can be seen on the horizon.
More importantly, smoke from the wildfire can be to blame for the decrease in our air quality. All along I-35 "moderate" air quality is being reported. That is one step below good air quality standards by the Air Quality Index scale.
As a result, it might be uncomfortable outside for people with respiratory issues.
MedStar, the ambulance service that covers Fort Worth and other parts of Tarrant County, reported responding to 87 calls for patients who were complaining about trouble breathing, and 67 of those patients were taken to hospitals.
According to MedStar, the Respiratory Health Association recommends several precautions for people with respiratory issues during conditions of poor air quality.
They include limiting outdoor activity, staying in an air-conditioned area and limiting strenuous activity.
We will continue to see decreased air quality through Monday due to the consistent strong wind coming from that area. Expected rain and a wind shift Tuesday night will help conditions improve locally.
