Dougherty Co. EMA provides public awareness update on woodchip fire incident

ALBANY, Ga. – This is a public awareness update on the woodchip fire at 1075 Evelyn Avenue. Numerous agencies are working together to address this incident. The Albany Fire Department and Georgia Forestry are currently setting up an irrigation system for at least the next several days.

Effecting the Community:
The odor of smoke will be present throughout the community. If you are close to this area, you may see smoke and flames, but the fire is under control.

Smoke Dangers and Air Quality:
According to experts at Phoebe, people with lung or heart conditions are most likely to experience adverse consequences from the smoke, but young children and pregnant women are also vulnerable.

“The smoke can certainly trigger an asthma attack, coughing and shortness of breath in individuals with any sort of chronic lung disease. But you should be aware of other symptoms such as headache or chest pain that you might not initially connect with the smoke,” said Shani Akers, MD, a board-certified Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist at Phoebe Pulmonology. “If you experience any of these symptoms, you should go to a safe, indoor location and seek medical care if the symptoms worsen.”

Dr. Akers stated that anyone who may rely on an inhaler or oxygen therapy should ensure they have an appropriate supply on hand. She added that home air purifiers are effective at reducing airborne irritants, as long as filters are changed regularly.

Dr. Akers recommends that “anyone at risk of complications should stay indoors as much as possible until the smoke dissipates. If you must go outside, a mask can provide relief from environmental pollutants.”

To check the air quality, you can go to the following site: www.AirNow.gov

In addition, the Georgia Department of Public Health has the following safety tips from the CDC and
Ready.gov:

• Stay indoors with windows/doors closed. Use a clean room with an air filter if possible.
• If outdoors, wear an N95 or P100 mask (not cloth or surgical masks).
• Watch for symptoms: coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, eye irritation. Seek care if symptoms worsen.
• Sensitive groups (kids, elderly, pregnant people, those with asthma, heart or lung disease) should avoid smoke as much as possible.
• Protect pets: keep them indoors, limit outdoor activity.

The Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency will continue to work with agencies regarding this incident and provide updates as necessary.

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