Smokey Haze Raises Health Concerns in Libertyville

The smoky haze from a Minnesota wildfire continues to engulf much of northern Illinois and village officials say that individuals with respiratory problems should take precautions.

"The smoke and odor are being carried south by northerly winds, and are expected to continue through tonight and possibly the next several days depending on weather conditions," according to Libertyville's website.

The fire started Aug. 18 with a lightning strike 20 miles from Ely, then smoldered for more than a week before flaring to life, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette.

The National Weather Service Chicago has issued a special weather statement due to smoke from a Minnesota forest fire. According to National Weather Service, the smoke traveled more than 400 miles due to a combination of sinking air and northerly winds.

"We are monitoring the particulate matter (PM2.5) on the various air quality websites such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow.gov. Smaller particles such as those from smoke pose the greatest health risk, particularly for individuals with a high sensitivity," said Mark Pfister, population health services 'director for the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center.

Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center says individuals with respiratory problems also may be exposed to high spore, ragweed and goldenrod pollen counts when they go outside today.