Mon. July 20 - Thurs July 23, 2020 - Plumas and Sierra Counties - Air Quality Health Advisory

"Preserving air quality and protecting the public health and public welfare in Nevada, Plumas and Sierra counties."

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY -- SMOKE
Monday, July 20, 2020 through Thursday, July 23, 2020
Plumas and Sierra Counties
 
The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and the Plumas and Sierra County Public Health Agencies are issuing a joint Air Quality Health Advisory to notify the public of intermittent poor air quality conditions through at least July 23, 2020 resulting from the Hog Fire west of Susanville.  The greatest smoke impacts are expected closest to the fire, but there will likely be impacts to communities farther away including the Chester/Lake Almanor Basin area, Indian Valley, Quincy, Portola and the Sierra Valley.  Air quality throughout these counties is dependent on atmospheric conditions and will vary as wind changes direction, with smoke settling in low areas at night.
 
Exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain, especially among sensitive individuals such as the elderly, children, people with asthma, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women and anyone who is exercising or working hard outdoors.  People who are affected by, or susceptible to, COVID-19 may be at increased risk from wildfire smoke due to cardiovascular symptoms or a compromised or suppressed immune system.
 
If you smell or see smoke around you, the following actions are recommended: 

• Minimize outdoor activities even if you are healthy;
• Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible; run the air conditioner on the “recirculate” setting if that is an option;
• People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan;
• People with heart disease, respiratory conditions or chronic health issues should stay indoors;
• Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe fatigue;
• Keep airways moist and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water;
• Avoid breathing additional smoke, such as from cigarettes or barbecues.

Near real-time air quality conditions for Quincy, Portola and Chester may be found at www.myairdistrict.com (click on your location of interest in the “Local Air Quality” portion).  As you view the most recent data, take into consideration that conditions can change rapidly due to wind shifts; it is wise to monitor the smoke throughout the day and make plans accordingly.  The smoke may be visible in satellite imagery, available via www.weather.gov/sto(near the bottom of the page).
 
Additional information about air quality can be found on the following website:
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state&stateid=5&mapcenter=0&tabs=0