Smoke Forecast to Reach Unhealthy Conditions in Orleans, Hoopa, and Weitchpec

Smoke from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)

Smoke from the Red Salmon Complex showing up on MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer.)

Press releases from the North Coast Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD):

Smoke is forecast to reach “Unhealthy” conditions with periods of “Very Unhealthy” conditions possible along the Klamath River drainage (Orleans, Weitchpec, and Hoopa). Klamath may see impacts from smoke in the river drainage in the night and morning hours.
 North Coast Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) News Release:

The Red Salmon Complex in Trinity County’s wilderness area has grown to 10,209 acres with 34% containment. A gradual change in the weather will bring a heat advisory to inland areas beginning Friday night. Expected hot, dry, and breezy conditions inland will result in increased fire activity. Possible mountain thunderstorm activity is beginning to develop for the inland areas over the weekend through the middle of next week. An Air Resource Advisor (ARA) on the fire is providing daily smoke outlook forecasts which include expected fire behavior and possible planned strategic firing operations in the air quality projections.

For areas adjacent to the fire and depending on conditions and proximity to the fire, smoke impacts over the next few days are expected to increase. These forecast levels are based on the latest weather, monitoring, fire activity information and will be updated as necessary.

  • Humboldt County – Haze may become visible in the Eureka area, with coastal areas expected to remain “Good” to “Moderate” with periods of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” depending on conditions. An Air Quality Advisory for “Unhealthy” conditions has been issued today (8/14) for the inland areas of Orleans, Weitchpec, and Hoopa.

  • Trinity County – Areas are forecast to see “Good” to “Moderate” with periods of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” and “Unhealthy” depending on proximity and fire activity.

  • Del Norte County – Areas of haze may be visible, coastal areas are expected to remain “Good’ to “Moderate” with periods of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” possible depending on conditions, The interior of Del Norte County is forecast to see “Good” to “Moderate” with periods of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or “Unhealthy” depending on conditions and proximity to the fire.

Air Quality Index

(AQI Value)

PM 2.5

24hr avg

(ug/m3)

Actions to Protect Yourself

Good (0-50)

0-12

None

Moderate (51-100)

12-35

Sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups [USG] (101-150)

35-55

People within USG should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion

Unhealthy (151-200)

55-150

People within USG should avoid all prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion

Very Unhealthy (201-300)

150-250

Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion

Hazardous (>300)

250-500

Everyone should avoid any outdoor activity

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) monitors are presently in Crescent City, Eureka, Weaverville, Hoopa, Weitchpec, Willow Creek, Klamath, and Trinity Center. Updates will be provided as conditions change. For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329).

Fire information can be found at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or https://fire.airnow.gov/. Current weather information can be found at www.wrh.noaa.gov.

Health Information for Smoke Impacts

Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and distance from the fire. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.

These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.

Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:

  • Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise.

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.

  • Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems.

  • Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting on the unit.

  • Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution.

If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.

Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.

Updated guidance from the CDC is available on reducing wildfire smoke exposure given COVID-19 considerations: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/covid-19/reduce_exposure_to_wildfire_smoke_covid-19.html

For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329). For further information, visit the District’s website at www.ncuaqmd.org.

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Cy Anse
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Cy Anse
3 years ago

The PurpleAir site was showing it was already pretty dang unhealthy in Hoopa. When I glanced at it the AQI was 168. It was already above 60 in Eureka and surrounding areas.