New Mexico Department of Health reminds residents that air quality can change rapidly during wildfire season.
New Mexicans are encouraged to use the 5-3-1 Visibility Method to estimate air quality when it is smoky and to take recommended actions based on your health circumstances and age.
Even if smoke cannot be smelled, air quality may still be unhealthy. Look for landmarks in the distance. If landmarks that are more than 5 miles away can be seen clearly, the air quality is generally healthy. If visibility is less than 5 miles, air quality is unhealthy for young children, adults older than 65, pregnant women and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness and they should reduce outdoor activity.
If visibility is less than 3 miles, young children, adults older than 65, pregnant women and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness should stay inside.
If visibility is less than 1 mile, the air quality is unhealthy for everyone and everyone should stay inside.
For more information, visit www.nmtracking.org/fire.
