Monday, September 5, 2016 - #Gapfire Smoke Report

Air Quality Report                                                                                                                        Issue Date: 09/05/2016

Gap Fire – Klamath National Forest                                                      Prepared by: Ariane Sarzotti and Tomas Gonzalez

Forecast conditions represent impacts from smoke.  Contributions from ozone and other pollutants are not reflected.
Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 25,801 and 30% contained.  On the eastern and western edges of the fire, crews will continue to mop-up and patrol the line.  Crews will continue to provide structure defense along the Hwy 96 corridor, continue firing operations where needed, and mop up and hold line when safe to do so.  In the northwest part of the fire, crews will evaluate and continue low intensity firing operations and mop up to the extent necessary to maintain control lines.    Weather and Smoke Information:   Northwest flow aloft will remain in place.  Little change in overall conditions are expected, lower temperatures and higher humidity are expected to continue through today.  Oak Knolls is expected to see Unhealthy conditions today with worst concentrations in the afternoon to early evening.  Fort Jones is expected to see Unhealthy conditions.  Yreka is expected to see Good conditions with possible Moderate levels in the daytime.  Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland and Klamath Falls are expected to see Good conditions.  Orleans is expected to see Good conditions with possible Moderate smoke levels in the afternoon.  Seiad should see Moderate conditions with potential Unhealthy for Sensitive Group (USG) levels in the afternoon.
Smoke Impacts from Local Fires
Site	Observed Midnight-Midnight 09/04/16		Forecast 09/05/16	Outlook 09/06/16	Worst Time of Day Impacts AQI and Period
Grants Pass	Good		Good	Good	May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Medford	Good		Good	Good	May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Ashland	Good		Good	Good	May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Klamath Falls	Good		Good	Good	May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Oak Knoll RS	Unhealthy		Unhealthy	Unhealthy	The worst concentrations may be observed in the late afternoon to early evening.
Seiad	Moderate		USG	USG	May see USG smoke levels in the afternoon.
Yreka	Good		Good	Good	May see Moderate smoke levels in the daytime.
Fort Jones	Unhealthy		Unhealthy	Unhealthy	The worst concentrations may be observed in the late afternoon to early evening.
Orleans	Good		Good	Good	May see Moderate smoke levels in the afternoon.
Colors displayed above correspond roughly with the AQI chart below.  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.
AQI Index		Actions to Protect Yourself
Good		None
Moderate		Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - USG		People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.  Everyone else should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy		The following groups should avoid all physical outdoor activity: People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults.  Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy		Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors.
Hazardous		The following groups should remain indoors and keep activity levels low: People with heart or lung disease; children and older adults. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion

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

Oregon Smoke Blog - http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/