Thick smoke from Trinity Ridge Fire causes health concerns
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Jennifer Auh reports on the increasingly thick smoke from the Trinity Ridge Fire, affecting residents and fire crews. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com
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As the Trinity Ridge Fire continues to burn, some people in Pine and Featherville are starting to become concerned about their health.
The threat to homes in Pine and Featherville is lessening, but the fire continues to grow. The thick smoke is especially getting worse, which has some people worried.
Fire crews are still keeping busy, creating more fire lines. They said things are going well, but they are facing some hurdles.
Fire experts said crews will be dealing with thunderstorms and erratic wind gusts 30 to 40 mph. The smoke is also not helping.
Residents called Saturday ‘one of the smokiest days’ ever. “Our neighbor across the street just left early because she's having a lot of difficulty breathing," said Linda Madsen, Pine Homeowner.
The fire management team said the smoke is also starting to affect the fire crews.
"We have had increase visits to medical unit, asking for medication,” said Beth Lund, National Incident Management Team, “[smoke] creates cold like symptoms, and so we're just telling people to take care of themselves."
We previously reported that three firefighters were injured, after being hit by a log rolling down a hill.
Crews told us two of them have now returned to fighting fires. One is still in the hospital with more severe injuries, but is expected to fully recover.
Fighting the Trinity Ridge Fire has now cost more than $20 million dollars to date. On Aug. 3, the fire started after a Utility Terrain Vehicle caught on fire.
Fire crews hope to put out the Trinity Ridge Fire by October.
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