LAKEPORT >> The Smoke and haze currently visible throughout Lake County are primarily the result of transport smoke from numerous fires in Northern California and Southern Oregon. These include the Orleans Complex, Eclipse Complex, Salmon August Complex, Ruth Complex. Umpqua North Complex, Chetco Bar, Miller Complex, High Cascade Complex, and Falcon Complex.
In all, nine fires are currently estimated at over 45,000 acres, burning in timber and brush. These are burning primarily in National Forests where access is limited.
Satellite imagery shows extreme levels of smoke generation drifting into Northern California and Lake County. According to Douglas Gearhart of Lake County Air Quality Management, smoke can be expected to intrude in all of Lake County with potential for Moderate to Unhealthy levels through the weekend.
“The District is actively monitoring the transport smoke impacts,” Gearhart said in a prepared statement. “Current air quality in most of the County is generally considered good to moderate, though we have experienced significant smoke impacts for several hours that was moderate to unhealthy. Conditions in localized areas could reach unhealthy levels if the smoke continues to settle in the basin.”
The “Moderate to Unhealthy” air quality forecast results from higher levels of fine particulates from the Northern fires and the possibility of increased ground-level ozone.
Ozone is generated when combustion products in the smoke combine with the high temperatures, sunlight, and humidity.
Gearghart stressed that when smoke is present in the Lake County Air Basin, individuals with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung or heart diseases should carefully adhere to their medical treatment plans and maintain at least a five-day supply of prescribed medications.
“They should limit outdoor activity and unnecessary physical exertion,” he explained. “Air conditioning that recirculates indoor air should be used, when available. Drinking plenty of water to avoid drying of the airways is recommended, unless restricted for medical reasons.”
Dust masks are not protective against fine particulate, which is the pollutant most detrimental to health caused by wildfire smoke. Such masks are only 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.
“With the potential for significant smoke from the northern fires, individuals planning to enjoy the outdoors should consider avoiding certain higher elevation areas when smoke is present as they may be more heavily impacted,” Gearhart said.
With air quality in the “Moderate to Unhealthy” range, people are recommended to use caution and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Localized areas of unhealthy air, regional haze, and particulate from this fire are expected to continue throughout Lake County through the weekend until the weather pattern changes.
