An air quality alert issued today from the Clark County Division of Air Quality warns that wildfire smoke from Southern California will create poor air conditions in Las Vegas through Thursday.
Heavy smoke expected at times, officials said in a news release.
The agency cautioned that smoke contains small particulates and other pollutants that can worsen respiratory conditions including bronchitis and asthma, as well as heart disease.
The hazy conditions stem from the Gifford Fire burning north of Santa Barbara, Calif. Southwest wind patterns are carrying the smoke into the valley, the National Weather Service in Las Vegas said Monday.
The smoke can cause eye irritation, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and coughing, health officials said. Those with heart or lung diseases are more