LAKE COUNTY >> A large mass of smoke from the Southern California wildfires hovered over at an angle in Lake County, reaching as far north of Eureka on Monday afternoon.
According to Lake County Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart, the thick layer of smoke is expected to cover the rest of the county overnight, with visibility into Tuesday. “With current weather conditions, we might see smoke here off and on for a couple of weeks until the fires are contained.”
If the smoke were to drop to the ground, there is potential to see unhealthy air quality conditions, Gearhart said.
“If that is the case, be prepared to stay indoors and avoid excess exercise,” he added.
The National Weather Service in Sacramento reported that the upper-level winds from the south have pushed most of the smoke offshore and has drifted into the inland areas over several counties including Sonoma and Mendocino.
Majority of the smoke has come from the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, now recognized as the fifth largest fire in modern California history, according to Cal Fire, as it has already charred 230,500 acres — that’s the size of eight San Franciscos. Smoke from other fires in Los Angeles County and San Diego have also made their way north.
With fires still sweeping through thousands of acres across Southern California, Cal Fire reported on Sunday 834 structures destroyed, 9,000 firefighters on the line, 98,000 evacuations, and 25,000 homes still threatened.
Gearhart reminds the public of the current burn ban notice. “Currently, we have no burn days until Monday, December 18 due to high fire conditions and because resources are limited due to help being sent to Southern California.”
NWS Sacramento said Monday conditions should improve by the middle of the week as stronger north winds develop and push the smoke back to the south.
