Wildfires contribute to haze in LV Valley

Monday, July 19, 2004 | 9:32 a.m.

A combination of smoke from Southern California wildfires, the pollutant ozone and humidity -- all common for this time of year -- has formed a ring of haze around the Las Vegas Valley, county and National Weather Service officials said.

National Weather Service Las Vegas spokesman Brian Fuis said today that smoke from two California wildfires is adding to the hazy conditions, along with humidity in the valley.

"As long as there is an upper flow from the Southwest and there are fires southwest of us, we will get some of that smoke," he said. "That is not uncommon for this time of year, but we have had an early start to the fire season so that indicates it could be a long one."

The National Weather Service reported that Sunday's high was 106 degrees with winds below 10 mph. A high of about 107 with 10 mph winds this afternoon was projected.

The Clark County Air Quality Division says car exhaust, sunlight and calm winds combined to form the haze over the Las Vegas Valley on Sunday and today.

Air pollution monitors across the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City all indicated moderate levels of ozone Sunday while monitors in Northwest Las Vegas and the eastern end of town recorded moderate levels of ozone early today.

Ozone forms near the ground during hot summer days when vehicle exhaust and other chemicals stew in bright sunlight to form a haze. Clark County does not meet the standard for ozone, which is considered a summertime pollutant.

The county's air quality Web site is advising those who are sensitive to air pollution to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activity.