Saturday September 3, 2016 - #Gapfire Smoke Report

Air Quality Report                                                                                                                        Issue Date: 09/03/2016

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 20,876 and 14% contained.  The fire remained active overnight in the area along Highway 96 and the Klamath River. Firefighters successfully held it north of the highway. The western and eastern flanks of the fire remained relatively quiet, and crews continued work to secure the line to at least 200’ from the fire’s edge. They completed firing operations around the Mapleseden Ranch. On the northern edge of the fire, dozers continued to open old lines and to widen and clear brush from existing roads.   The priority today is to continue to hold the fire at the Klamath River, and to complete structure assessments and provide structure defense as necessary.                                                                                         Weather and Smoke Information:  A few clouds developing in the mountains in the afternoon, however conditions will remain dry.  Transport winds are expected out of the northwest today and through the weekend.  Oak Knolls and Fort Jones are expected to see Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy levels of smoke, while Yreka may see USG levels with possible Unhealthy levels in the daytime.  Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Klamath Falls and Orleans are expected get a break from the smoke through the weekend and should see Good levels of smoke.  Seiad is expected to see Moderate levels of smoke with potential USG levels in the evening.
	Smoke Impacts from Local Fires
	Site	Observed Midnight-Midnight 09/02/16		Forecast 09/03/16	Outlook 09/04/16	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	Very Unhealthy		Unhealthy	Unhealthy	May see Very Unhealthy levels of smoke throughout the day.
	Seiad	Good		Moderate	Moderate	May see USG smoke levels in the evening.
	Yreka	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		USG	USG	May see Unhealthy smoke levels in the daytime.
	Fort Jones	Unhealthy		Unhealthy	Unhealthy	May see Very Unhealthy the afternoon through the evening.
	Orleans	Good		Good	Good	May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
	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/