Guillena issues advice to protect against wildfire smoke

The Guillena Town Hall has released a guide of recommendations to minimise the effects of wildfire smoke on health, which can affect even kilometres away from the source.

The Guillena Town Hall has published a series of recommendations for residents on how to act in the presence of smoke from wildfires. The guide emphasises that smoke can travel long distances and impact health even far from the fire site.

At home, it is advised to keep doors and windows closed and, if air conditioning is available, to use the air recirculation function. The use of HEPA filters in purifiers is also recommended, along with avoiding activities that generate smoke indoors and cleaning dust with a damp cloth instead of sweeping dry.

For those who need to travel by car, the main advice is to keep windows closed and activate air recirculation. Unnecessary travel through affected areas is discouraged, and if smoke reduces visibility, drivers are urged to turn on their lights and reduce speed.

Outdoors, it is recommended to avoid intense exercise outside and to stay away from areas where the smoke is denser. If it is necessary to go out, exposure time should be limited, and the hours with better air quality should be chosen, in addition to drinking water frequently.

The council pays special attention to the most vulnerable groups: children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those suffering from respiratory or cardiac diseases. For them, preventive measures should be heightened.

An important warning is that conventional masks do not protect against smoke gases. For suspended particles, it is recommended to use FFP2 or FFP3 masks.

The Guillena Town Hall reminds that information should always be obtained through official channels and to follow the instructions of authorities and emergency services. In case of any sighting of smoke or fire, residents are urged to call 112, as timely reporting can help prevent a major fire.

The campaign concludes with a call for prevention: “Preventing is protecting. Together we can reduce risks and care for our environment.”