Expect Smokier Conditions in Northern California, Says Weather Service

This shows the air quality as of 7 a.m. [Image from National Weather Service Sacramento]

Numerous fires remain active throughout Oregon and Northern California. The main fires that have the potential to impact our area are the Natchez, Garner Complex, Klondike and Carr fires. The Natchez, Garner Complex, and Klondike fires are located in Southern Oregon (closest to the California border). The Carr fire is located in Trinity County, East of Weaverville.

The current weather forecast indicates continued high temperatures and a shift back to Northerly winds beginning sometime Thursday evening into Friday. This will bring a return to smokier conditions in Northern California. Expect smoke from these fires to pool along the river drainages, impacting the very northern interior portions of Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties. Depending upon location, air quality along the coast is expected to remain “Good” to “Moderate” with periods of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”. Impacted interior areas can expect air quality conditions of “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” with the potential for increased smoke along the river drainages.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) monitors are presently in Gasquet, Weitchpec, Orleans, Hoopa, Weaverville, and Eureka. Fire information can be found at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or at www.calfire.ca.gov. Current weather information can be found at www.wrh.noaa.gov.

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).

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.

If you can see, taste, or feel smoke, contact your local health department and/or primary
healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have health concerns, are elderly,
are pregnant, or have a child in your care.

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.
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