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Lake County Air Quality Management: Southern Oregon wildland fires impacting Lake County air
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Air Quality Management's top official said Monday that the Douglas Complex of more than 50 wildland fires in Southern Oregon is the source of the smoke, haze and degraded air quality in Lake County.
According to the National Interagency Coordination Center Situation Report, the Douglas Complex near Glendale, Ore. – composed of 54 fires sparked by lightning last Friday – has burned 13,400 acres and is only 2 percent contained.
Expected containment of this fire is unknown. The fire is burning in timber and brush with extreme fire behavior, fire officials reported.
Lake County Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart said weather forecasts indicate moderate to poor conditions which may result in intermittent smoke impacts for the Lake County air basin over the next week.
Air quality conditions on Saturday and Sunday were good much of the day, with noticeable smoke intrusion in the evening and overnight, said Gearhart.
Gearhart said particulate levels are currently elevated into the moderate to unhealthy for sensitive individuals range. Localized areas may experience high particulate levels and unhealthy air quality, depending on the weather conditions.
The air quality forecast for Lake County on Monday is “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive individuals.” All areas of Lake County may be significantly impacted should meteorological conditions worsen, he said.
The “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive individuals” air quality alert results from fine particulate in the smoke and the possibility of increased ground level ozone, Gearhart explained.
These are generated when combustion products in the smoke combine with the high temperatures, sunlight and humidity, he said. Other chemical reactions reduce visibility by forming secondary particulates.
Smokey conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages. These conditions can be hazardous for sensitive individuals including young children, the elderly, and individuals with heart conditions, and those with chronic lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions, Gearhart reported.
Poor air quality, haze, and particulate from the ongoing wildfires are expected to continue throughout Lake County, Gearhart said.
He urged county residents to take precautions and plan ahead as smoke conditions can change quickly.