Full Notification

-PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASE-

Contact: Douglas Gearhart, APCO @ 263-7000 Release Date: October 11, 2017

UNHEALTHY AIR QUALITY ALERT on Monday, October 11, 2017
Unhealthy Air Quality for Lake County.

The smoke and haze currently visible through areas of Lake County are primarily the result of the Tubbs Fire in Napa and Sonoma Counties, the Atlas and Partrick Fires in Napa County, the Nuns Fire and Pocket Fires in Sonoma County, the Redwood Complex fire in Mendocino County, and localized impacts from the Sulphur Fire in Lake County. Other active fires in Northern California may add to the smoke impacts in Lake County. The “UNHEALTHY For SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS” to “UNHEALTHY FOR EVERYONE” air quality alert results from the forecast for continued high levels of smoke and other air pollutants lingering in Lake County until conditions change.

The District is actively monitoring the smoke impacts. Current particulate levels in Lake County are in the “Unhealthy” range in many areas with short periods of improved air quality since late afternoon on Monday. The highest levels of smoke are expected to continue into Thursday, though the models indicate we may get clearing winds today and through Thursday which could significantly improve air quality in Lake County. But with the winds and red flag warning, fire activity may increase, increasing smoke levels in the County. All areas may experience “Unhealthy” air quality, and individuals should take precautions. The smoke is expected to remain in Lake County into Thursday, though we may see some improvement Wednesday afternoon.

Smokey conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages. These conditions can be hazardous for sensitive individual including young children, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions, and those with chronic lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Individuals with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung or heart diseases should carefully adhere to their medical treatment plans and maintain at least a five-day supply of prescribed medications. They should limit outdoor activity and unnecessary physical exertion. Air conditioning that recirculates indoor air should be used, when available. Drinking plenty of water to avoid drying of the airways is recommended, unless restricted for medical reasons.

Dust masks are not protective against the ultra fine particulate, which is the pollutant most detrimental to health caused by wildfire smoke. Air purifying respirators, such as N-95 filtering face pieces, may be effective in reducing some of the harmful particulate matter, but they also increase the work of breathing, can lead to physiologic stress, and are not recommended as a general protective measure.

With air quality forecast to be in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Individuals” range, people are recommended to use caution, avoid strenuous activity, avoid outdoor activities when possible, and reduce other sources of air pollution (such as smoking, use of aerosol products, frying or broiling meats, burning candles, vacuuming, etc.) and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Localized areas of very unhealthy or hazardous air quality, regional haze, and particulate from these fires can be expected until the regional fires are fully contained and the weather pattern shifts to clear the smoke. Take appropriate measures until the smoke clears.