Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- The North Coast Air Quality Management District is saying widespread haze and smoky conditions will be present near Trinity Center, Lewiston and the Weaverville area as a result of the Carr Fire.
In Klamath good to moderate air quality is forecasted. In Orleans, Hoopa and Weaverville the smoke from the Carr Fire may produce unhealthy conditions, and affect sensitive groups: including children, the elderly, and people with asthma or COPD.
Below is the complete PSA issued by the North Coast Air Quality Management District:
Wildfires in Oregon and Northern California remain active. The majority of smoke impacts
will continue along the Oregon border in Del Norte County. The river drainages (Klamath
and the Smith River) will also see some periods of smoke from these fires.
The weather forecast indicates that current smoke impacts are expected to continue
through Thursday evening. Interior areas of Del Norte County will see “Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups” with periods of “Unhealthy” depending on proximity to the fire. Air quality
along the coast is expected to remain “Good” to “Moderate”. The interior of Humboldt and
Trinity County can expect air quality conditions of “Good” to “Moderate”. Beginning
Thursday evening a return to a northerly wind flow will result in smoke impacts spreading
further south.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5) monitors are presently in Crescent City, Weitchpec, 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).
Air Quality Index (AQI) Actions to Protect Yourself
Good None
Moderate Unusually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion
USG People within Sensitive Groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion
Unhealthy People within Sensitive Groups should avoid all prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion
Very Unhealthy Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion
Hazardous Everyone should avoid any outdoor activity
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.
