Work never stops: local food truck cook details his day in the smoke

MEDFORD, Ore. — While many are taking advantage of the clean air inside of their homes and offices during days of unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke, countless outdoor workers unfortunately have to deal with the smoke.

Mika Kakin works at the Great Outdoors Grill food truck in South Medford from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Kakin is outside of the truck most of the day grilling, and has to inhale the smoke for hours on end. He says that he tries to take a lot of breaks, but avoiding the smoke is simply difficult while working.

"Staying hydrated," Kakin says is what he does on smoky days. "It's kind of hard with both the heat and standing over the grill to wear a mask; I have trouble breathing. Taking breaks in Starbucks is probably our best bet," he laughs. "Staying out of the heat and the smoke in there."

When asked why Kakin was not wearing a N-95, he said that they get in the way while cooking.

If the air quality deteriorates to levels above unhealthy, however, he said that he and his crew will start wearing them for further protection.

Kakin also noticed a decrease in traffic due to the smoky skies. There were less people at the food truck today than usual.

"[People are] coming out and leaving," says Kakin. "Taking more meals to go rather than just sitting and eating. But it has decreased out traffic definitely. Just for the first day, it's noticeable."

Tt is not advised to stay outside for long periods during smoky days. If unavoidable, keep hydrated and try to wear a N-95 mask as often as possible.