Thursday, September 8, 2016

Thursday September 8, 2016 - #Gapfire Smoke Report

Air Quality Report                                                                                                                        Issue Date: 09/08/2016

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 30,969 acres with a growth of 1,210 acres since yesterday and 65% contained.   On all sides of the fire, crews are working on mop up and patrol of fire lines where safe to do so. The last of the control lines have been burned out. Some interior islands of unburned fuel will continue to burn, but a reduction of smoke is expected.                                                                                                     Weather and Smoke Information:   High pressure will continue to build over the area leading to dry conditions and warming temperatures. Winds will remain generally upslope, up valley 3-5 miles per hour, with ridgetop winds in the afternoon out of the north 3-5 miles per hour.  Winds by Friday will start to turn more northeast to east on ridges.  Oak Knolls, Fort Jones, and Seiad are expected to see Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) conditions today with elevated concentrations in the afternoon to early evening.  Happy Camp and Redding/Anderson are expected to see Moderate conditions with possible elevated concentrations in the morning.  Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Klamath Falls and Red Bluff are expected to see Good conditions.  Yreka and Weed are expected to see Good conditions with expected elevated concentrations in the afternoon.

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Impacts from the Gap Fire
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/07/16
Forecast
09/08/16
    Outlook
09/09/16
Worst Time of Day Impacts
AQI and Period
Grants Pass
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Medford/ 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
Moderate
USG
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon and evening.
Seiad
USG
USG
USG
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Happy Camp
Unavailable
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning. Smoke monitor will be set up this morning.
Yreka
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Fort Jones
Moderate
USG
USG
Expect elevated concentrations in the late afternoon and evening.
Orleans
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Weed
Unavailable
Good
Good
Smoke monitor was set up yesterday.
Redding/Anderson
Moderate
Moderate
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Red Bluff
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations 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/

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