Smoke Impacts on Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity

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

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

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

USFS Air Resource Advisors indicate that the Northern Humboldt and Del Norte area will experience light NW winds today, and that as the day progresses increased winds may cause periodic moderate air quality in Gasquet or Crescent City. Saturday will bring winds from the northeast with the potential for additional smoke from the Klondike Fire to impact the region and coastal communities. Gasquet, Crescent City, Weitchpec, Klamath, and Orleans should have “Good” then “Moderate” conditions for the next few days.

Southern Humboldt communities should only have minor smoke impacts midday from the Ranch Fire, as light west and north winds this afternoon will drift haze away from the region. Reduced smoke production from the Ranch Fire will continue to improve air quality over the weekend. Overall, “Good” conditions are expected for the next few days in Garberville and Southern Humboldt areas.

Trinity County – No Air Quality Advisories were issued today.

The ARA on the Hirz Fire indicates that local afternoon winds will be light and terrain-driven and transport winds will continue to be out of the southwest in the afternoon, where smoke impacts will primarily be North of the fire. Weaverville, Lewiston, and Trinity Center should have mostly “Good” then “Moderate” conditions for the next few days.

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.