Full Notification

-PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASE-

Contact: Douglas Gearhart, APCO @ 263-7000
Release Date: October 13, 2017
Time: 12:30 PM

AIR QUALITY ALERT on Friday, October 13, 2017
Moderate to 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 Pocket Fire in Sonoma County, and the Redwood Complex fire in Mendocino County. Other active fires in Northern California may add to the smoke impacts in Lake County. The “MODERATE” to “UNHEALTHY FOR EVERYONE” air quality alert results from the variable weather conditions experienced in Lake County and the forecast for extended smoke impacts, and impacts from other air pollutants in the smoke lingering in Lake County until conditions change.

The District is actively monitoring the smoke impacts. Current particulate levels in Lake County are in the range from “Moderate” in the Middletown and Hidden Valley Lake areas to “Unhealthy for sensitive individuals” range in the northern portions of the County. The highest levels of smoke are expected to continue through the weekend, though the models indicate we will continue to see some winds today which could significantly improve air quality in Lake County. With the expected winds, 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 through the weekend, though we may see periods of with improved or degraded air quality as the winds shift through the next few days. Conditions can change quickly. Smokey conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages. These conditions can be hazardous for sensitive individual including 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.

If you cannot leave the smoky area, good ways to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke include staying indoors and reducing physical activity. Wearing an air purifying respirator can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Air purifying respirators, such as N-95 or P100 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. Dust masks are not protective against the ultra fine particulate, which is the pollutant most detrimental to health caused by wildfire smoke.

With air quality forecast to be in the “Moderate” to “Unhealthy” 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.