Forest fire smoke lingers over town

The forest fire smoke that drifted into town in the wee hours is the big local story today. The Gazette has a photo set about the fires and the media are full of anecdotes about people waking up in a panic, thinking their house or something nearby must be on fire.

Warnings are in effect for anyone with respiratory problems to stay inside or at least not exert themselves outdoors. The city’s air quality index page is the thing to keep an eye on. There are hints the wind direction may change today and whisk it away.

Five years ago we experienced a similar effect from forest fires.