California Smoke Information

Monday, September 26, 2016

#LomaFire in the Santa Cruz Mountains

A new wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains, named the Loma Fire, is producing a very visible smoke column this afternoon, including to personnel on the Soberanes Fire.

Transport winds in the area look to turn northwesterly overnight, which could potentially create a situation in which some see smoke contributions from both fires.

There are numerous media posts about the fire, including area television stations and the webcam site http://www.morganhillwebcam.com/ and numerous social media posts.

26 Septiembre, 2016 #SoberanesFire, Pronóstico del Humo y Calidad del Aire

Soberanes Fuego 09/26/16

Pronóstico del Humo y Calidad del Aire

Para más información llame al (831) 204-0446

Si el humo está previsto que sea malo en su comunidad, hay cosas que puede hacer para proteger a su familia. Consulte la guía de actividades AQI de recomendaciones para los días llenos de humo, abajo.

Sobre el humo de los incendios forestales

Los incendios forestales producen un humo que podría llegar hasta su comunidad. El humo de los incendios forestales está compuesto de una mezcla de gases y partículas finas. El humo puede lastimar los ojos, irritar el aparato respiratorio y agravar las enfermedades cardiacas y pulmonares crónicas. Puede reducir la exposición a la contaminación. Utilice los pronósticos del humo para esto fuego para planear su actividad. Más información sobre como proteja su familia: www.cdc.gov/spanish/especialescdc/incendiosforestales/.

Text Box: Si el humo está previsto que sea malo en su comunidad, hay cosas que puede hacer para proteger a su familia. Consulte la guía de actividades AQI de recomendaciones para los días llenos de humo, abajo.

Monday, September 26, 2016 #SoberanesFire Smoke Impact Forecast #60

Soberanes Fire Smoke Impact Forecast #60
Issued: Monday September 26, 2016 0800
Posted by: Jen Croft- ARA & Sean Luchs ARA (t)

Forecast conditions represent impacts from smoke from the Soberanes Fire wildfire and other fires. Contributions from ozone and other pollutants and other sources are generally not reflected.


Fire: Current fire acres are 126,913 an increase in 223 acres. Current containment is 78%. Stronger winds on Sunday led to increased fire activity in the fire’s interior and more smoke production. The additional acreage of the fire came from unburned interior areas between Miller Creek and Church Creek. Crews will continue to directly attack the fire today with no firing operations planned. Air Quality Today: With winds generally from the east late Sunday and into Monday, smoke impacts are more likely to be seen in the coastal communities. Tassajara, Arroyo Seco, Cachagua should also see higher concentrations, particularly in the late night and morning hours. Very visible nighttime pooling in the Carmel Valley and some nighttime pooling should also be seen in the Salinas Valley as smoke from Sunday settles, particularly in Gonzales and Soledad. Winds today should provide relief for the Salinas Valley late today. Air Quality Tomorrow: Winds near the most active part of the fire should become lighter and more northerly, resulting in more significant nighttime pooling of smoke in the Carmel Valley. Some visual impacts may be seen near the coast before lingering smoke kept in the area by terrain disperses.

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Impacts from the Soberanes Fire (midnight to midnight)
Site	Yesterday Observed 24-Hr AQI September 25, 2016	Today’s Forecast 24-Hr AQI September 26, 2016	Tomorrow Outlook 24-Hr AQI September 27, 2016	Best Time of Day September 26 24–Hr AQI
Carmel River School	Moderate	Moderate	Good	Good all day
Carmel Valley	Good	Good	Good	Good all day
Toro Park	Good	Good	Good	Good all day
Cachagua	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Mid-day/early afternoon
Big Sur	Good	Moderate	Good	Mid-day
Tassajara	Moderate	Moderate	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Mid-day
Arroyo Seco	No Monitor	Moderate	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Mid-day
Salinas	Good	Good	Good	Good all day
Gonzales	Good	Moderate	Good	Afternoon
Soledad	Moderate	Moderate	Good	Afternoon
Greenfield	Good	Good	Good	Mid-day/early afternoon
King City	Good	Good	Good	Good all day
Lockwood	Good	Good	Good	Good all day
Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly, these projections are based on anticipated weather and fire activity. Sensitive groups including individuals with Asthma, lung or heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. If you feel as though you are having health effects from smoke see your doctor or health professional as needed. In some cases your eyes are your best tools, if it is smoky outside you are being impacted. Use caution when driving in or around smoky areas.

For more information, please call the Soberanes Fire Information Line at (831) 204-0446

Forecasted Air Quality Map

Use the Air Quality Index to plan your activities

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure used for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is for the day, and what associated health effects might be a concern.

Views of smoke from fire: Jamesburg- http://cens.jamesreserve.edu/activejpg/cam2_hastings.jpg

Big Sur- http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/images/b.jpg

California Smoke Blog - http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/

Monterey Air Resource Board - http://mbard.org/

AirNow - http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.main

Smoke column trends through the afternoon of September 25 as seen by satellite

Photograph of smoke column activity from the afternoon of September 25

NOAA Hysplit projected trajectories from releases at heights of 100 meters , 500 meters, and 1000 m.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

UPDATE: Sunday, September 25, 2016 #Soberanes Fire Smoke Impact Forecast #59

Strengthening winds have increased internal fire activity on the Soberanes fire this afternoon, resulting in greater smoke production. Southwesterly winds are bringing this smoke to the northeast and the Salinas Valley. Air quality, which has been good so far this morning, can be expected to degrade into moderate or unhealthy for sensitive groups tonight in Gonzales, Soledad, and Greenfield.

Analysis shows that this increased fire activity is between Church Creek and Miller Creek, and the area impacted by smoke. :

The smoke has also been visible on weather radar and on satellite this afternoon

Sunday, September 25, 2016 #Soberanes Fire Smoke Impact Forecast #59

Soberanes Fire Smoke Impact Forecast #59
Issued: Sunday September 25, 2016 0800
Posted by: Jen Croft- ARA & Sean Luchs ARA (t)