ENVIRONMENT

Why is there so much smoke in Las Vegas today? The reason behind the hazy skies in Nevada

Las Vegas has been blanketed by smoke and local officials are advising those who are vulnerable or susceptible to respiratory diseases to stay indoors.

Etienne LaurentREUTERS

Smoke and haze have blanketed Las Vegas valley, and authorities are urging residents to take the necessary precautions.

The smoke was caused in large part by raging California wildfires that continue to burn to the southwest of Las Vegas.

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Why is there so much smoke in Las Vegas today? The reason behind the hazy skies in Nevada

There are three California wildfires creating the smoke: the Line Fire in San Bernardino which has burned almost 35,000 acres; the Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties that has razed more than 4.000 acres; and the Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties that has left more than 22,000 acres smoldering.

Weather forecasters say the blanket of haze is likely to stay in Las Vegas for a while unless strong winds come to blow it out of the valley.

The Clark County Division of Air Quality advised vulnerable sectors of the population to avoid venturing outside until the air clears.

“Wildfire smoke is made of small particles and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma or heart disease,” according to the county’s air quality alert.

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“Under today’s conditions, it may be best for children, the elderly and people with respiratory and heart disease to stay indoors.”

Officials are encouraging residents to close their windows and doors and refrain from exercising outdoors.

The Federal Aviation Administration has said arrivals at the Harry Reid International Airport will be slowed down because of reduced visibility.

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