Smoke Impacts on Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte Counties

Burn Operations around Black Diamond Ridge on August 26 in the Mendocino Complex. [Photo by Mike McMillan/USFS from InciWeb]

Depending on conditions, the fires with the potential to impact our area are: Natchez Fire (Del Norte County),
Mill Creek 1 Fire (Humboldt), Klondike/Taylor Fires (Southern Oregon), Hirz Fires (Shasta County), and the
Mendocino Complex (Lake/Mendocino County).

Humboldt & Del Norte County – No Air Quality Advisories were issued today.

Smoke from fires in Southwestern Oregon and from further could still impact coastal areas. USFS Air
Resource Advisors indicate that morning east winds will influence smoke in the Northern Humboldt and Del
Norte area today. Smoke from the Natchez and fires in Oregon will have moderate impacts to the west,
particularly the communities of Klamath Glen, Crescent City and possibly Gasquet.

The ARA on the Mendocino Complex indicated that activity on the Mill Creek 1 Fire has decreased and
moved into a neighboring watershed which has reduced the smoke impacts in the upper Hoopa valley. Fire
activity is expected to be minimal going forward, so air quality is expected to continue to improve over the
coming days along the Trinity and Klamath River drainages. In Southern Humboldt, easterly winds today will
drift smoke from the Mendocino Complex Fire to the west and north towards the coast. Some areas could
see hazy skies and moderate smoke impacts.

 Along the Coast/Eureka – “Good”
 Crescent City – “Good” to “Moderate”
 Gasquet – “Moderate”
 Klamath – “Moderate”
 Orleans – “Moderate”
 Weitchpec – “Moderate”
 Hoopa – “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”
 Willow Creek – “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”
 Garberville & Southern Humboldt – “Good” to “Moderate”
Trinity County
ARA on the Hirz Fire indicates that there will be some fire growth today, and that the winds will shift from
northeast to southwest with terrain driven breezes in the afternoon. Smoke impacts will be primarily North of
the fire. No Air Quality Advisories were issued today.
 Weaverville – “Moderate”
 Lewiston – “Moderate”

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) monitors are presently in Crescent City, Gasquet, Klamath, Weitchpec, Orleans,
Hoopa, Willow Creek, Eureka, Weaverville, 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.
Cleaner Air Centers currently available:
Humboldt County
 Hoopa Neighborhood Facility,11860 State Hwy 96, Hoopa; 8am to 5pm.
 Hoopa Health Association Senior Nutrition Center will be available to tribal seniors; 768 Loop Road,
Hoopa; 8am to 5pm.
 Weitchpec Tribal Office, 23001 Highway 96, Weitchpec; 9am to 5pm.
 Morek Won Community Center, 390 McKinnon Hill Road, Weitchpec; Mon-Fri 9am to 3pm.
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.