LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Wildland fires in far Northern California continue to be the source of smoke over Lake County that has contributed to a forecast of air quality in the “unhealthy” range.
The Lake County Quality Management District reported that air quality conditions on Monday were in the “unhealthy” range, with those conditions forecast to continue through Tuesday afternoon, when some clearing may occur.
The forecast through Tuesday afternoon is for “unhealthy” air quality, with some clearing possible.
The Lake County Quality Management District said the smoke is not from the Rocky fire – contained last Friday at 69,438 acres – or the Jerusalem fire, which on Monday morning was 90-percent contained at 25,118 acres.
Smoke production on both of those incidents has been greatly reduced, officials said.
Instead major wildland fires burning farther north are the source of the major smoke intrusion into Lake County's air basin, according to the district.
Those fires include the Humboldt Complex, 4,883 acres, 95-percent contained; the Route Complex, 28,861 acres, 30-percent contained; the South Complex, 20,978 acres, 35-percent contained; the Gasquet Complex, 4,049 acres, 26-percent contained; the River Complex, 37,165 acres, 18-percent contained; and other Northern California, Oregon, and Washington fires.
The smoke moved into Lake County starting on Saturday, the current weather pattern will keep the smoke in the Lake County Air Basin until conditions change.
All areas of Lake County are likely to be significantly impacted, the district said. Conditions can change quickly, and localized areas may experience intermittent particulate levels in the “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” ranges.
The “unhealthy” air quality forecast results from higher levels of fine particulates from the northwest fires and the possibility of increased ground-level ozone.
Ozone is generated when combustion products in the smoke combine with the high temperatures, sunlight, and humidity. Other chemical reactions reduce visibility by forming secondary particulates.
The district said 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 fine particulate, which is the pollutant most detrimental to health caused by wildfire smoke. Such masks are only useful in filtering out the ash and larger particles that are encountered in burn areas.
Air purifying respirators, such as N-95 filtering face pieces, may be effective in reducing harmful particulate matter, but also increase the work of breathing, can lead to physiologic stress, and are not recommended as a general protective measure.
With the potential for significant smoke from the regional fires, individuals planning to enjoy the outdoors should consider avoiding certain higher elevation areas that may be more heavily impacted, such as Mt. Konocti park, Boggs Forest, and the Mendocino National Forest.
With air quality in the “unhealthy” range, people are recommended to limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors.