Air district issues update on smoke conditions this week

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Air Quality Management District said more smoky and hazardous air conditions are expected through the middle of the week due to local and regional wildland fires.

The smoke and haze within Lake County have impacted all areas of the Lake County air basin.

The winds and overnight cooling is trapping the smoke from the Walbridge Fire in the Sonoma County portion of the LNU Lightning Complex, as well as the fires in the LNU Lightning Complex in Lake, Napa, Yolo and Solano counties, and the August Complex in the Mendocino National Forest.

All areas of Lake County should be prepared for continuing periods of “unhealthy” to “hazardous” conditions through Tuesday, Aug. 25.

These conditions are forecast to continue through Wednesday, Aug. 26, depending on meteorology and fire conditions.

A slight change in regional wind patterns is forecast for Wednesday night which could help reduce the basinwide smoke impacts.

Regional wind patterns are forecast to bring smoke into the air basin until the fires are contained. This forecast is based on the latest weather, monitoring, fire activity information and will be updated as necessary.

The district is actively monitoring the smoke impacts throughout the County. Additionally, you may go to www.lcaqmd.net and follow the link to ‘Current Air Quality Index at: purpleair.com’ for current Air Quality Index levels and particulate matter levels around the county.

Current particulate levels in Lake County are in the “unhealthy” range. At “unhealthy” levels, everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves from exposure.

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.

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 “recirculate” 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.

Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace advises: “While we know that this is an added burden for everyone who has been dealing with the risks from COVID for all of these months, we definitely encourage folks to pay attention to the air quality and to take steps to protect themselves and their families.”

Updated guidance from the CDC is available on reducing wildfire smoke exposure given COVID-19 considerations.