Health Department Issues Air Quality Advisory for Fireworks Smoke
Published on July 01, 2025
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today issued an air quality advisory due to expected high levels of smoke from fireworks.
Fireworks may be used in the City of Lincoln from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3, and from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4. LLCHD’s Air Quality Section typically observes periods of high levels of smoke from the evening of July 3 through the morning of July 5. During this time, Lincoln’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often reaches peak levels that are unhealthy for everyone, but are especially unhealthy for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, and other respiratory or heart conditions.
“The current National Weather Service forecast calls for a chance of rain with south winds at 10 to 14 mph both Thursday and Friday evenings between 8 p.m. and midnight. Breezy winds should help move smoke out of the area, which should help limit the severity and duration of poor air quality,” said Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Section Supervisor with LLCHD. “Breathing smoke can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause chest pain in some people with heart disease.”
When the AQI is in the orange category, that means the air quality is unhealthy for people with higher sensitivity to air pollution. Parents and people at risk should watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Those who observe or experience these symptoms should contact a medical care provider. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available.
When the AQI is in the red category or worse, the air quality is unhealthy for everyone, and everyone should follow the guidance provided above.
When air quality is poor, people with higher sensitivity to air pollution should reduce time spent outdoors. Those at risk can further protect their health by keeping windows and doors closed, using a HEPA filter, and using the recirculate setting when using a vehicle’s heater or air conditioner.
Residents are encouraged to check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fire and Smoke Map at
fire.airnow.gov for up-to-date air quality and helpful tips. The EPA also provides the AirNow and SmokeSense smart phone apps to track air quality.