NORTHERN CALIF.— Over 16,000 firefighters continue to battle 18 major fires and lightning complexes across California according to CAL Fire’s daily report. Officials said firefighters continue to make good progress with increased containment figures on all of the fires, and even full containment on two of the large wildfires. As progress is made, many of the evacuation orders have been lifted or downgraded. However, nearly 40,000 people remain evacuated from the current wildfires throughout the region.
Since the lightning strikes that started mid-month, officials report there have been nearly 14,000 lightning strikes. During this time-period, there have been more than 875 new wildfires, which have now burned over 1.46 million acres. Seven deaths resulted in the wake of the fires and over 2,800 structures have been destroyed.
The LNU Lightning Complex stood at 375,209 acres as of press time Monday, 63% contained. The Hennessey (merged fires) burned 317,909 acres and is 62% contained, The Wallbridge 54,940 acres with 64% containment, The Meyers consumed 2,360 acres and stood at 99% containment. The entire complex was attributed for the destruction of 1,198 structures.
Seasonable weather conditions continue to aid firefighters in their efforts towards containment at lower elevations. Above 2,000 feet firefighters are still seeing low humidity without recovery at night. Warmer conditions are expected over the weekend and Isolated thunderstorms are still possible in the upper portion of northern California and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. A heat advisory is in effect for the northern most counties. A Red Flag Warning for interior Del Norte County, and Northeast Humboldt counties remains in place through 11 AM this morning due to gusty winds and low humidity.
Continuing Unhealthy Air Quality in Lake County
The smoke and haze within Lake County has impacted all areas of the Lake County Air Basin. The winds and overnight cooling is trapping the smoke from the LNU Lightning Complex in Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Solano, and Colusa Counties, and the August Complex in the Mendocino National Forest.
All areas of Lake County should be prepared for continuing periods of “unhealthy for sensitive individuals” to “unhealthy” conditions/ Areas close to the fires should use additional caution as localized smoke impacts may be significant until the fires are completely out. Overall conditions in the
main Lake County Air Basin should see slight improvements. in air quality over the next few days, all areas may experience “unhealthy” or worse air quality at times. Smoke is still expected to intermittently cause significant impacts throughout Lake County until all of the regional fires are contained. This forecast is based on the latest weather, monitoring, fire activity information and will be updated as necessary.
The District is actively monitoring the smoke impacts throughout the County. Additionally, you may go to WWW.LCAQMD.NET and follow the link to Current Air Quality Index at: ‘purpleair.com’ for current Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and particulate matter levels around the County. A new map with additional information is available at fire.airnow.gov. Current particulate levels in Lake County
are in the “unhealthy” range. At “unhealthy” levels, everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves from exposure.
Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and distance from the fire. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.
These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.
Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:
• Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise.
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems.
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors.
Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting on the unit.
• Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution. If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.
Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.
Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace advises: “While we know that this is an added burden for everyone who has been dealing with the risks from COVID for all of these months, we definitely encourage folks to pay attention to the air quality and to take steps to protect themselves and their families.”
Updated guidance from the CDC is available on reducing wildfire smoke exposure given
COVID-19 considerations: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/covid19/reduce_exposure_to_wildfire_smoke_covid-19.html
