Smoke, heat and haze in Michiana create risks for outdoor workers and pets

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Smoke and heat have been the talk of South Bend for days — and even as the haze starts to lift, the effects are lingering for people who work outside and for pets that still need time outdoors.

Construction crews on Eddy Street said the smoky air and high temperatures have made an already demanding job even tougher. Contractor David Franklin said many workers considered not showing up at all.

“It’s kind of been hard to breathe out here,” Franklin said. “We normally come out here for break and everything — definitely working at a slower pace, definitely taking more breaks. Some of us thought about not coming to work today.”

Pets need protection, too

The Humane Society of St. Joseph County said it has received calls from people concerned about animals spending long periods outside. Executive Director Jenny Brown said the combination of heat and smoke makes outdoor time risky for pets.

“The heat is one thing, but compounds that with the smoke — don’t do a lot of exercising right now,” Brown said. “Just go outside for potty breaks, come back inside, and your pets are probably going to be a little stir-crazy, so do things to keep your pet busy in the home.”

Brown said activities such as puzzle feeders or teaching a pet a new trick can help burn energy indoors.

Brown said owners should monitor pets closely for signs of respiratory distress, which can escalate quickly.

“Respiratory distress can be very serious very quickly and could lead to not only the pet having seizures, it can lead to death,” Brown said. “We just want to make sure we are caring for our pets.”

Anyone with concerns about a pet’s symptoms should contact a veterinarian.

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