The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and the Public Health Departments of Plumas County and Sierra counties are issuing a Joint Air Quality Health Advisory due to smoke impacts from the Gold Complex (Mill Fires) South of Portola, near the Mohawk and Whitehawk communities.
Due to the Southwest winds today and tomorrow, smoke will impact areas Northeast of the Gold Complex Fire impacting Portola, Beckworth and Chilcoot. Expect smoke impacts to be worse early morning, clearing mid to late afternoon and worsening throughout the night. Areas north of the fire can expect Moderate to Unhealthy air quality throughout the day.
Reference this site for the current air quality in your area. https://fire.airnow.gov/# Please note that the AQI is updated hourly and air quality conditions change rapidly Smoke may be intermittent and affect different areas dependent upon wind direction and time of day.
SERVING THE COUNTIES OF NEVADA, PLUMAS AND SIERRA
Additional Information:
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. The major air pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter also known as PM2.5. Exposure to air pollutants in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing cough, a dry scratchy throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, and irritated sinuses.
While all persons may experience varying degrees of symptoms, people at increased risk from smoke inhalation include:
• Young children
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic respiratory and heart conditions • People who work outside
• People experiencing homelessness
Persons experiencing questionable or severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice and treatment.
People can reduce smoke inhalation by taking the following actions:
- Limit outdoor exertion, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions; If your child shows signs of compromised breathing or has respiratory conditions, follow your doctor’s directions regarding medicines and asthma management plans. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
- Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible in buildings and vehicles.
- When AQI levels reach Unhealthy levels (150 or higher), consider if the work needed to be
completed outside is essential. If N-95 respirators are used, be sure that they are correctly fitted. Remember that a dust mask, cloth face covering, or medical mask will not filter out smoke! Staying indoors is the best option to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke. - Try to limit sources of air pollution in your home (smoking, use of incense or candles, and frying food are some examples of indoor air pollution sources).
- If you have air conditioning, make sure your setting is on “recirculate” both in your car and in your home to use inside air rather than drawing in air from the outside.
- Use high efficiency air filters (rated MERV-13 or higher) for your HVAC system if possible. Portable HEPA filters can also be used (avoid Ozone-producing air purifiers).
- Find a local clean air shelter to go to during periods of intense wildfire smoke. Additional Resources:
- Air Quality Information – https://www.airnow.gov
- Fire and Smoke Map – https://fire.airnow.gov
- District Website - https://www.myairdistrict.com/
- Clean Air Centers - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/cleanaircenters
- Smoke Ready California - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/smokereadyca
