LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Air Quality Management District Friday issued an information release stating air quality improved from reduced amounts of smoke.
The Mill Fire continues to burn in the Mendocino National Forest, resulting in smoke, haze and periods of degraded air quality. Because of weather patterns and increasing control of the fire, most of Lake County experienced improved, healthful air.
Many areas of Northern California remain under health warnings for air quality.
Ozone and particulate levels remain below the state and federal health-based standards. These standards are designed to protect sensitive groups of the population from small respirable particulate, ultrafine, inhalable particulate and ozone.
Conditions are improving and good air quality is forecast once again for the county for the weekend. The improved air quality forecast is a direct result of the progress in controlling the wildfires and the sustained westerly transport winds.
The Mill Fire is still a significant concern for air quality in Lake County. Smoke impacts in the county are likely through the weekend as east winds are forecast for parts of today and Sunday. Unhealthy air quality is not anticipated throughout the county, but localized pockets of heavy smoke are possible.
Caution is still urged as conditions can change rapidly.
Strong west winds are predicted for late afternoon through early evening today and Sunday, which will help keep the air clear of heavy smoke.
Smoky conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages, which can be hazardous in young children, the elderly, people with heart conditions or chronic lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
Residual haze and particulate from the wildfires can be expected to intermittently impact areas of the county through the weekend until the fire is out.
