The following is a press release issued by the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District:
Smoke impacts are likely in and around the communities of Orleans, Hoopa, Willow Creek and Weaverville.
Smoke is being generated by the Happy Camp and July complexes, as well as the fire in Weaverville.
For Monday, models suggest that forecasted easterly, northeast winds may lead to all day smoke in the Klamath, Salmon, and Trinity River and coastal communities. Nighttime conditions will again allow smoke to settle into valley locations through the early morning. Heavy smoke is expected in Weaverville.
Areas of wildfire smoke are predicted to impact the following regions:\
• Del Norte County
• Humboldt County
• Trinity County
If you live (or plan travel) in the regions listed above, please watch for Air Quality Alerts, which are issued when unhealthy or hazardous conditions exist.
For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call the NCUAQMD's hotline toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329), or visit the website at www.ncuaqmd.org.
Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and distance from the fire. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.
These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.
If you can see, taste, or feel smoke, contact your local health department and/or primary healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have health concerns, are elderly, are pregnant, or have a child in your care.
Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:
• Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the "re-circulate" or "recycle" setting on the unit.
• Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution.
If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.
Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, light headedness.
For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329).
For further information, visit the District's website at www.ncuaqmd.org