Saturday, September 10, 2016

Saturday, September 10, 2016 - #Gapfire Smoke Report

Air Quality Report                                                                                                                        Issue Date: 09/10/2016

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 32,224 acres with a growth of 560 acres since yesterday and 85% contained.   No additional perimeter fire growth occurred; growth is all interior acres within the control lines.  Islands of unburned fuel within the perimeter will continue to burn.  On all sides of the fire, crews are working on mop up and patrol of fire lines where safe to do so.  A reduction of smoke is expected as the interior islands of unburned fuel get consumed.                                                                                                                                                         Weather and Smoke Information:   High pressure will lead to the hottest and driest day of the week.   Humidity values will drop into the single digits to mid-teens over most of the valley locations.  Ridgetop winds will be northeast to east 3-6 miles per hour (mph) in the morning, then northwest 3-7 mph in the afternoon.  The North Coast area may see air quality degrade up to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) smoke levels in locations ranging from Klamath, Weitchpec, and Eureka continuing to the south.    Hoopa and Weitchpec are expected to see (USG) conditions today with elevated concentrations in the afternoon to early evening.  Redding/Anderson, Oak Knoll, Seiad, Happy Camp, Fort Jones and Orleans are expected to see Moderate conditions with possible elevated concentrations in the afternoon and evening with the exception of Redding/Anderson and Happy Camp.  They may see elevated concentrations in the morning. Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Klamath Falls, Red Bluff, Yreka, and Weed are expected to see Good conditions. 




Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Impacts from the Gap Fire


Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/09/16
Forecast
09/10/16
    Outlook
09/11/16
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
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon and evening.


Seiad
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.


Happy Camp
Good
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.


Yreka
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.


Fort Jones
Good
Moderate
USG
Expect elevated concentrations in the late afternoon and evening.


Orleans
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.


Weitchpec
Moderate
USG
USG
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.


Hoopa
Good
USG
USG



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
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/

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