Health officials issue smoke alert

Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000 | 1:27 a.m.

Clark County Health District officials have issued an air quality warning as winds out of the northeast continue to push smoke from wildfires into the Las Vegas Valley.

"The Health District is warning those with respiratory problems and/or cardiovascular disease, asthmatics, the elderly and children to limit their time outdoors until the unhealthy readings subside," said a statement from the district's Air Quality Division.

"High levels of particulate matter affect breathing and respiratory functions because they reach deep into the respiratory tract."

National Weather Service meteorologist Ron McQueen said the valley's hazy condition since Monday stemmed from wildfires in eastern Nevada, across Utah, western Colorado and Wyoming.

The largest fire nearest to the Las Vegas Valley was the Coyote Fire northeast of Pioche in Lincoln County.

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