Tuesday, September 13, 2016 #Gapfire Air Quality Report

Air Quality Report                                                                                                                        Issue Date: 09/13/2016

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 33,867 acres and 85% contained.   No additional perimeter fire growth occurred; growth is all interior acres within the control lines. Yesterday’s strong gusty winds were a good test to the fire and no significant fire activity occurred.   Islands of unburned fuel within the perimeter will continue to burn however it appears fire activity has been reduced to smoldering.  On all sides of the fire, crews are working on mop up and patrol of fire lines where safe to do so, along with pulling hose and equipment no longer needed on the fire line.  A reduction of smoke is expected as the interior islands of unburned fuel get consumed.                                                                                                                                                         Weather and Smoke Information:   Winds will continue to be easterly but will not be as strong as they were yesterday.  Winds will range from 10-15 miles per hour (mph) with gust to 25 mph on ridgetops and then 4-8 mph with gusts to 12 mph in the afternoon.  Temperatures will be 82-87 degrees with humidity values at 10-16% in the valleys.  Smoke production has been significantly reduced over the last few days.  All locations are expected to see Good conditions with the exception of Anderson/ Redding where Moderate conditions have been observed.
Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Impacts from the Gap Fire
Site	Observed Midnight-Midnight 09/12/16		Forecast 09/13/16	Outlook 09/14/16	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	Good		Good	Good	Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon and evening.
Seiad	Good		Good	Good	Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Happy Camp	Good		Good	Good	Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Yreka	Good		Good	Good	Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Fort Jones	Good		Good	Good	Expect elevated concentrations in the late afternoon and evening.
Orleans	Good		Good	Good	Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Weitchpec	Good		Good	Good	Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Hoopa	Unavailable		Good	Good	Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Weed	Good		Good	Good	May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Redding/Anderson	Moderate		Moderate	Moderate	Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Red Bluff	Good		Good	Good	May see hazy skies.
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/