Monday, November 14, 2016 - Hidden and Meadow Fires Air Quality Summary Report

Air Quality Summary Report – Hidden and Meadow Fires
Monday, November 14, 2016

Air Resource Advisor: Ryan Bauer   ( rbauer@fs.fed.us )

Fire, Weather, and Smoke Synopsis Weather: Warm and dry conditions with light winds are forecast through Tuesday. A Pacific trough will move through the area on Wednesday bringing stronger winds, cooler temperatures, and a slight chance of precipitation. Warm and dry conditions and lighter winds return on Friday. Fire Activity: Continued growth is expected on both fires today. The Hidden fire grew approximately 35 acres yesterday, to 140 acres in size. Similar growth is expected today. The Meadow fire was estimated at 500 acres yesterday evening. Managers hope to limit burn out for defensive holding actions until dispersion improves. Larger burn outs are planned for both incidents as conditions improve. Smoke Summary: Smoke from the Hidden fire will continue to travel down the Tule River drainage, effecting Springville, Lake Success, and Porterville today. Smoke from the Meadow fire will continue to travel down the Kern River drainage, effecting Ponderosa, Johnsondale, Kernville, and the Lake Isabella basin each evening and into the morning as well. Conditions should improve in all areas on Wednesday as a Pacific trough effects the area.

Air Quality Outlook (wildfire smoke related – PM_2.5 only)

Sites with air quality monitors (based on Air Quality Index for each 24-hour day)
Site	Yesterday	Today	Tomorrow	Comments
Kernville	USG	USG	Moderate	Conditions will start out in the USG range but should start to improve by late afternoon.
Lone Pine	Good	Good	Good	May start seeing some mild impacts by this afternoon
Porterville	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Continued moderate conditions, no significant impacts from the Hidden and Meadow fires.
Springville	Moderate	USG	Moderate	Conditions worsen early in the day but should improve by late afternoon.
Three Rivers	Moderate	Moderate	Good	Conditions should be gradually improving.
Note: We are in the process of adding air quality monitors in Johnsondale and Camp Nelson. Will add them to this forecast as data becomes available.
Please Note: Conditions can change quickly. These predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity. Forecast conditions represent impacts from smoke from the Hidden and Meadow wildfires as well as other fires in the area. Effects of other pollutants, such as ozone on air quality are generally not reflected.

 USG – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups