CONNECTICUT, USA — Smoke has been coming into Connecticut from the wildfire burning in Great Barrington, Mass., referred to as the Butternut Fire.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, the fire on East Mountain has now grown to more than 1,100 acres as crews continued working to put it out Wednesday.
Officials clarified that Ski Butternut, which is adjacent to East Mountain, is not on fire.
Winds may have altered the plume of smoke in another direction, but the smoky scent is still evident. Many residents like Junior Waters of Waterbury said they’re not happy with the smoke-filled skies.
‘’I noticed yesterday a tremendous amount of fog in the area. It affected my family in a lot of ways," Waters said. "My wife, especially with breathing condition, so she spent most of her time indoors.’’
Dr. Syed Hussain with Trinity Health of New England said the air conditions could cause health issues for many people.
‘It could be an irritant to skin, an irritant to eyes, your eyes might water and it can be bad to other organs as well. So, overall, the multi-system effects are not good, especially those that have an underlying condition. They need to take precaution,'' Hussain said.
Hussain noted that it is very important for people to monitor the air quality index.
''If you have an underlying medical problem, use a respirator, make sure that it is a well-fitted mask that you can use, try to stay indoors. If you have air conditioning, try to use that. If there is a HEPA filter, that is great," Hussain said.
For more information on how to keep safe from the smoke, click here.
MORE NEWS: Brush fire burns 26 acres of land in Andover
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