LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 23, 2025) – The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has been notified that a large, smoldering mulch pile located near Lawrence Hayden Rd/Huckleberry Way may be contributing to smoke in the Hollywood area. Under current weather conditions, smoke may be more noticeable or persist for longer periods than expected and compromise air quality.
Sensitive groups should take special precautions as they may be at higher risk for health effects from poor air quality. These include people with heart or lung diseases (such as asthma), older adults, children, and pregnant persons; as well as those with increased exposure to outdoor air, including people experiencing homelessness, those who work or exercise outdoors, and those who do not have weather-tight housing.
SMCHD encourages the following precautions during times of poor air quality:
- Limit time outdoors, especially for sensitive groups
- Some outdoor air may come into indoor environments – try to avoid activities that can further worsen the indoor air quality (such as smoking, using candles or a gas stove, and vacuuming)
- Run your HVAC system or room air cleaners with a high-efficiency filter
- Consider using an N95 or KN95 mask when outdoors and recirculate the air in your vehicle
- Check on your neighbors, family, and friends who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality
Free KN95 masks are available for pick-up at the St. Mary’s County Health Department main office in Leonardtown during business hours (as supply allows).
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