The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is cautioning the public about smoke produced by a brush fire in the Blue Field Road area of western St. Lucie County and from an active wildfire near the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierce.

Smoke can irritate your respiratory system and can cause symptoms such as scratchy throat, irritated eyes and nose, and coughing. Additionally, smoke can potentially worsen asthma and other chronic lung or heart conditions.

Individuals should contact their health care provider if they feel they have difficulty breathing due to the smoke.

Individuals with underlying medical conditions (e.g., allergies, sinus problems, asthma, chronic lung diseases, heart conditions) should contact their health care provider if their symptoms worsen or if they have questions or concerns about their condition and medication management.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911.

Additional Tips to Protect You and Your Family from Smoke:

• Stay updated with local air quality reports, news coverage, or health warnings related to smoke.
• Limit outdoor activities if smoke is present in your area, especially for children or individuals with preexisting medical conditions.
• Stay indoors and run the air conditioner if possible. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. For best results, run the air conditioner with recirculated air.
• When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns inside your home, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves, candles, and cigarettes. Do not vacuum, because it may stir up smoke and ash already inside your home.