LAKE COUNTY — County officials predict air quality in Lake County today will be moderate to unhealthy because of fires burning in Mendocino and Colusa counties.
Smoke impacts are forecast to be most significant during the early morning hours through midday today, and areas of the county could experience unhealthy-to-hazardous air quality levels at times as smoke settles into the air basin, according to the Lake County Air Quality Management District.
The greatest concern exists for the Northshore communities, Clearlake and southeastern portions of Lake County, but all areas of the county could be impacted.
The moderate-to-unhealthy air quality alert results from fine particulate in the smoke and ground-level ozone generated by combustion products in the smoke combined with the high temperatures, significant sunlight and humidity. Other chemical reactions reduce visibility by forming secondary particulates.
Smoky conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages, which can be hazardous for sensitive people, including young children, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions, and those with chronic lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
Poor air quality, haze and particulate from the ongoing wildfires are expected to continue throughout Lake County until the fires are out.
