How to handle haze

Taking clear photos of Colorado Springs’ beautiful scenery is a challenge with haze in the air from recent fires but it’s the health impact that worries health care providers.

Dr. Eric Caplan of the Colorado Springs Allergy and Asthma Clinic said the phones in his office rang almost constantly as the haze floated in Thursday.

“Young and old, people are having problems breathing out there,” he said. “Some of them are having flashbacks to the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires.”

Caplan said while the haze may last only as few days, patients may continue having respiratory problems for as long as two weeks.

“My advice for patients, especially with asthma: stay indoors if you can,” he said. “Use hepa-grade filters and nasal rinses. Stay hydrated and use those air filters to clean the air that you’re breathing.”

Caplan advises patients to have an action plan to prepare for unexpected conditions that could cause breathing difficulties.

“There are things you can do when your symptoms are controlled,” he said. “There are also steps to take on days like today when symptoms can be worse. If you know exactly what to do, you won’t always need to see a doctor.”

But Caplan suggests that patients call a doctor or go to an emergency room as soon as possible if symptoms become serious.

Authorities said smoke from fires at Fort Carson, and in Arizona and New Mexico, have combined to produce haze locally.

In their Thursday evening update, authorities did not explain what percentage of the 1,000-acre fire at Fort Carson was contained.

However, the smoke plume decreased significantly — which people hope will result in easier breathing and clearer photography of local attractions.