AIR QUALITY ADVISORY

July 26-28, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:           July 26, 2024

Contact:      Shasta County Air Quality Management District, 530-225-5674
  

 

AIR QUALITY OFFICIALS URGE CAUTION DUE TO WILDFIRE SMOKE

SHASTA COUNTY – The Shasta County Air Quality Management District (the “District”) is advising Shasta County residents to remain aware of potential smoke impacts due to multiple wildfires burning in Northern California from Friday, July 26, through Sunday, July 28. Winds may transport varying amounts of wildfire smoke into the populated areas of Shasta County. Certain areas may experience higher concentrations of smoke based on proximity to wildfires, time of day, topography, and current weather conditions. Eastern Shasta County communities of Shingletown, Old Station, Burney, and Fall River Mills will experience a greater smoke impact, with the possibility of smoke settling in the lower elevations overnight and during the early morning hours.

All members of the public, especially those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women, and children should remain alert, and if necessary, reduce or avoid all outdoor exertion when wildfire smoke is present. Everyone else should limit prolonged exertion in areas of noticeable smoke accumulation. All individuals are urged to use proper judgement when planning activities. Individuals wishing to minimize their exposure should:

• Limit exercise and outdoor activities

• Remain indoors, with the windows and doors closed

• Turn on an air conditioner with a recirculation setting (such as in a vehicle)

The District, California Air Resources Board (CARB), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highly recommend using the EPA’s Fire & Smoke Map (https://fire.airnow.gov) for air quality smoke impacts and current Air Quality Index (AQI) information. Although there are alternative websites with similar information, this website provides the best information for viewing smoke maps, deployed PM2.5 wildfire monitors, and corrected sensor information. The District website also provides links to the latest and most accurate information available on wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself from smoke.

For additional updates, call 530-225-5674 or visit Shasta County Air Quality Management District Wildfire Smoke Information webpage at www.shastacounty.gov/air-quality/page/wildfire-smoke-information.

Additional safety tips can be found by going to Shasta County Health & Human Services Protect yourself from wildfire smoke webpage at www.shastacounty.gov/health-human-services/page/wildfire-smoke.