Smoke Drifts Continue to Cause Problems
Smoke Drifts Continue to Cause Problems Save Email Print
Lauderdale County, Miss.
Posted: 10:41 AM May 24, 2007
Last Updated: 4:26 PM May 24, 2007
Reporter: Renee' LaSalle
Email Address: renee.lasalle@wtok.com

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Officials with the Mississippi Forestry Commission say hazy conditions Thursday morning were caused by all the excess smoke from wildfires in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Forestry officials fielded several calls from concerned citizens. Those who suffer from allergies and other sinus problems were especially aware of the change in the atmosphere.

But Dr. Kary Whitehead says the smoke shouldn't have any lasting effects.

"Patients who have asthma, have chronic lung disease, and other chronic health problems that impairs their breathing, you know, as long as they're fairly well controlled and they're doing well, they're taking their medications they're using their medicines like they should, they should be okay," Whitehead said.

Forestry officials say the smoke will likely linger as the humidity increases and could stick around until there's a significant shift in weather patterns.

"Please remember that basically we're sitting on a tinder box," said forester Greg Chatham. "I mean, we are so dry, I think we're anywhere from 13 to 15 inches below normal on our rain fall, when they see these fires from Georgia and Florida, they think that it's just a problem in other states. It can happen here. It can happen right here."

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Posted by: jesse on May 26, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Why can't the forestry department start making fire lanes around some of these large timber tracts. If a fire should start, may be these fire lanes would help. I wonder if the forestry department has mapped our a sound plan should a fire in our area be a problem

Posted by: Donna Location: Meridian on May 24, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Besides respiratory problems, was wondering if anyone else had dry eye problems due to the smokiness...