Wildfire smoke adds to health watch in the Valley

PHOENIX - Dense smoke coming from the Poco Fire burning outside of Payson in northern Arizona has led authorities in the Phoenix area to issue a health watch.

The haze has blanketed the Phoenix area, obscuring mountains and leading some to experience health problems.

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department issued the health watch for Wednesday and urges members of the public to avoid activities that generate dust, like driving on dirt roads, and to drive as little as possible and carpool if they can.

They also urge the public to avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment and refrain from using fireplaces and wood stoves.

The department says that people who are unusually sensitive to bad air quality should reduce prolonged or strenuous activities outdoors.

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