Prague deploys special sprinklers, warns against outdoor activity amid smog alert

Special vehicles will spray roads across Prague on Thursday due to elevated ground-level ozone concentrations, following a smog alertby meteorologists. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor exercise during the afternoon.

Ground-level ozone in higher concentrations can cause burning eyes and nose, coughing, and headaches. Authorities recommend that people, especially those with chronic respiratory problems, the elderly, and young children, avoid any intense physical outdoor activity.

The Technical Road Administration (TSK) will sprinkle and mist roads throughout the city in four cycles between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. “The aim of this measure is...to reduce high concentrations of ground-level ozone, which are typical of hot summer days with minimal air flow,” said Barbora Lišková, a spokeswoman for the TSK, in a press release.

Prague 1 has assigned volunteer firefighters to help with sprinkling on streets in their district. Officials continue to monitor air quality closely and warn residents to remain cautious as heat and sunlight can quickly raise ozone levels.

Kristýna Hujerová, director of the non-construction maintenance of roads section of TSK, said: “Yesterday, Wednesday, Aug. 13, brought a significant increase in ground-level ozone concentrations in the afternoon with high temperatures, cloudless skies and light winds," she said.

"Given that today and tomorrow are expected to be in a similar vein, we decided to proceed with nationwide sprinkling and fogging as a preventive measure to protect the health of Prague residents," Hujerová added.

Deputy Mayor for the Environment Jana Komrsková said Prague usually does not order sprinkling on hot days. “It is uneconomical because the cooling effect only lasts for a few hours,” Komrsková said. She also said it was environmentally unfriendly. However, the city made an exception after the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute declared a smog alert due to the high ozone levels.