Lakeport >> The Rocky Fire has resulted in smoke, haze and degraded air quality throughout Lake County.
The Lake County Quality Management District reports that air quality conditions currently are in the “Moderate” range. Though the Rocky Fire is not expected to contribute significant amounts of smoke, areas impacted by smoke from any of the fires currently burning in Northern California are forecast to have moderate to “Unhealthy” air quality.
Similar conditions are expected through the weekend.
Several other major fires burning in Northern California, including the Humboldt Complex (4,358 acres) Mad River Complex (17,041 acres), Gasquet Complex (1,043 acres), River Complex (12,324 acres) and Route Complex (15,862 acres), are all contributing significant smoke to the air, which is blowing south and out over the ocean. With the forecast for westerly winds we may experience significant levels of smoke from these fires.
With the opening of many evacuation areas and the Mount Konocti park, caution is recommended. Air quality near and within the burn area may be moderate to unhealthy should winds or activity re-entrain some of the fine particulate matter. Additionally, if hiking in the Mount Konocti park, caution is recommended as smoke from the multiple fires may impact the higher elevations on Mount Konocti while missing the lower elevations. Use caution and be prepared for changing conditions.
Conditions can change quickly from “Good” to “Unhealthy for sensitive individuals,” and this may be the pattern for the next week. Localized areas may experience intermittent particulate levels in the unhealthy range. All areas of Lake County may be significantly impacted should meteorological conditions worsen.
Dust masks are not protective against the most harmful pollutants caused by wildfire smoke that drifts to nearby areas. They are 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.
The good to moderate air quality forecast results from lower levels of fine particulates in the smoke and the possibility of increased ground level ozone. These are generated when combustion products in the smoke combine with the high temperatures, sunlight and humidity. Other chemical reactions reduce visibility by forming secondary particulates.
Poor air quality, haze and particulate from the ongoing wildfires are expected to continue throughout Lake County through the week.
