The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District is issuing an air quality advisory to notify the public of potentially poor air quality conditions at least through Monday, July 24, caused by the Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County (
http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/1672).
If you smell or see smoke around you, the following actions are recommended:
- Minimize outdoor activities even if you are healthy;
- Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible; run the air conditioner on the "recirculate" setting if that is an option;
- People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan;
- People with heart disease, respiratory or chronic health issues should stay indoors;
- Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe fatigue.
Smoke conditions can change quickly and vary greatly due to terrain, wind direction and weather. Eastern parts of Sierra and Plumas Counties are likely to see the most smoke. It is important to monitor the smoke and make outdoor plans accordingly.
Exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain, especially among sensitive individuals such as the elderly, children, people with asthma, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women and anyone who is exercising or working hard outdoors.
The use of filter masks is generally not recommended because the most effective masks can reduce air flow for people who are already having breathing difficulty.
Information on air quality and smoke can be found at:
www.myairdistrict.com (PM - particulate matter hourly information)
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ (smoke information based on fire incidents)
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.mapcenter&mapcenter=1 (PM and ozone combined)
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=pubs.aqguidepart (air quality guide for particle pollution)
