Wednesday June 17, 2015 Air Quality Summary for the Buckskin Fire

Today, Wednesday June 17th Minimal isolated fire-spread today is predicted for today with limited smoke production. Smoke is forecast to move over the Illinois Valley in the afternoon hours.  Communities forecast to be impacted included: O’Brien, Takilma, and possibility as north as Cave Junction or Kerby.  Smoke will likely to stay within the Illinois Valley for the remainder of the day. Visibility along HWY 199 may be reduced throughout the Illinois Valley.  Areas southwest of the fire (Smith River, Gasquet, Rockland, etc.) if impacted, will start to clear in today’s morning hours.  Smoke will return during the evening hours in the river drainage.

Forecast for tomorrow Thursday June 18th Firing operations are expected to start today in the early afternoon hours.  If started as planned, smoke concentrations will increase.  Models indicate that smoke will travel over the Illinois Valley in the afternoon hours.  Communities forecast to be impacted included: O’Brien, Takilma, Cave Junction, and Kerby. Smoke will be in greater concentrations than the previous days.