Air quality in Las Vegas reaches unhealthy levels due to Gifford Fire

LAS VEGAS (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - The air quality in Las Vegas has reached unhealthy levels due to smoke from the Gifford Fire, a wildfire burning thousands of acres north of Santa Barbara, California.

Doctors warn that the smoke-filled air poses significant health risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

"The air quality in Las Vegas right now is in the unhealthy range. It's stemming from a wildfire in California, actually," said Dr. Hayden Maag with MountainView Hospital.

The wildfire Dr. Maag is referring to is the Gifford Fire, and while it's hundreds of miles away, its impact is being felt in Las Vegas.

Early Monday, the National Weather Service reported visibility dropping to as little as one mile in some areas due to the haze.

Doctors say the particles in the smoke can irritate your lungs and if you're in a vulnerable group, irritation can escalate quickly.

"People with pre-existing conditions are just more susceptible to poor air quality. The poor air quality can trigger inflammation. That inflammation can lead to a lot of breathing problems....The elderly, the very young, and pregnant women as well," Maag shared.

Maag says even healthy people might notice mild symptoms, but for those with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, its critical to stay alert.

"If you feel like you're working to breathe a little bit more, if you feel like you're breathing faster, you cant quite catch your breath, that's your body's way of telling you that somethings not right and to try to fix it. Be smart. If you're prone to having problems with your breathing, have a rescue inhaler. Make sure that your rescue inhaler is handy. If you can stay indoors, stay indoors especially if you're in the vulnerable population."

Dr. Hayden Maag, MountainView Hospital

As of Tuesday, the Gifford Fire has burned over 82,000 acres and is 7% contained. To keep up-to-date with the fire, click here.