Air quality advisory issued for Mat-Su Borough, Anchorage

MAT-SU — Smoky conditions from forest fires burning around the state have prompted the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to issue an air quality advisory for the entire borough Thursday morning.

“Due to the smoky conditions, the air quality in these areas has become unhealthy to hazardous,” the borough says.

The Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued similar air quality advisories for the Anchorage area.

Until the fires are extinguished and the smoke clears, children, the elderly, and persons with existing heart or lung disease are advised to stay indoors and reduce physical activity. The general population should avoid vigorous outdoor activity.

People can access the Air Quality Alert System by calling 352-3878 for daily information on air quality in the eastern Matanuska Valley.

Meanwhile, the city of Palmer took to Facebook to urge residents to stop calling 911 to report smoke.

“Palmer Dispatch has received numerous calls regarding the large amount of smoke in the area. Please note that there are no active fires in our area and the smoke is from the Tyonek and Soldotna fires,” the city writes.

The city promised to let residents know on Facebook, Twitter and via its automated notification system if a fire does start in the area.

“Please remember that there is a burn ban in our area,” the city reminded residents.