It Won’t Be So Smoky Today, Says North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District

Press release from North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) and partners:

Wildfires remains active throughout Oregon and Northern California. The fires with the potential to impact our area (depending on conditions) continue to be the Klondike/Taylor and Natchez Fire (Southern Oregon), Carr Fire (Shasta/Eastern Trinity County), and the Mendocino Complex (Lake/Mendocino County).
Humboldt & Del Norte

Inland Humboldt and Del Norte County will see improved air quality from the Oregon fires through early Sunday morning. However, river drainages closer to the Oregon fires will continue to see smoke inversion conditions in the morning, with periods of haze and smoke depending on conditions.

Air quality along the coast will be “Good” to “Moderate”. In Southern Humboldt, inland areas north of the Mendocino Complex such as Garberville, are expected to have widespread haze with generally “Good” to “Moderate” conditions. Smoke from the Mendocino Complex is expected to head to the Northeast but bringing some periods of smoke haze.

Trinity County
Improved air quality today for Eastern Trinity County and Weaverville is expected with the change in winds aloft. The region is forecast to have “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” with periods of “Unhealthy” conditions through Sunday, depending proximity to the fire. A return to high pressure at the beginning of the week will bring a return of decreased smoke dispersion to this area.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) monitors are presently in Crescent City, Gasquet, Klamath, Weitchpec, Orleans, Hoopa, Weaverville, Eureka, and Garberville. 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 at www.calfire.ca.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.

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