Wildfire Status & Health Information 

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Blue Skies and Good Air Quality Expected to Continue Through Labor Day Weekend- Release Updated: August 22, 2008 @ 16:00

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with healthful air and blue skies for more than three weeks. The air quality has been in the good range and is expected to remain in the good range through Labor Day Weekend.

The residual smoke that returned to the Lake County Air Basin last week was transported from many uncontrolled fires burning in the north part of the state. The Yolla Bolly Complex and the Lime Complex are now both 100% contained having burned approximately 154,496 acres combined. There are still several uncontained wildfires burning in the north part of the state.

West to northwest winds are expected through Sunday keeping the wildfire smoke to the north and east of Lake County.

Though not expected some residual smoke may impact areas of Northern California, including Lake County at a much reduced level, until these lightning Complex wildfires are extinguished.

Blue Skies and Good Air Quality Expected to Continue Through Saturday- Release Updated: August 21, 2008 @ 09:00

Contact: Cheri Kendrick, SrAQE or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with healthful air and blue skies for more than three weeks. The air quality has been in the good range and is expected to remain in the good range through Saturday.

The residual smoke that returned to the Lake County Air Basin last week was transported from many uncontrolled fires burning in the north part of the state. The Yolla Bolly Complex and the Lime Complex are now both 100% contained having burned approximately 154,496 acres combined. There are still numerous uncontained wildfires burning in the north part of the state.

West to northwest winds are expected through Saturday keeping much of the federal land wildfire smoke to the north and east of Lake County.

On occasion some residual smoke can be expected throughout areas of Northern California, including Lake County, though at a much reduced level, until the lightning Complex wildfires to the north are contained.

Blue Skies and Good Air Quality Expected to Continue Through Tuesday- Release Updated: August 18, 2008 @ 16:30

Contact: Doug Gearhart, Deputy APCO or Cheri Kendrick, SrAQE at 263-7000

Lake County’s air remained in the good classification with healthful air and blue skies for more than two weeks with two days of moderate, but healthful air, last week. The air quality was in the good range over the weekend and is expected to remain in the good range through Tuesday. The fire that ignited Monday afternoon near Manning Flat, if not contained, could result in localized smoke impacts. If uncontrolled, smoke may affect all areas of the county.

The residual smoke that returned to the Lake County Air Basin last week was transported from many uncontrolled fires burning in the north part of the state. The Yolla Bolly Complex is 95% contained with full containment expected Tuesday August 19, 2008 by noon. The Lime Complex is 100% contained.

Winds are expected to be mostly from the west with some northwest patterns through Tuesday, keeping much of the federal wildfire smoke to the north and east of Lake County.

On occasion some residual smoke can be expected throughout areas of Northern California, including Lake County, though at a much reduced level, until the lightning Complex wildfires are contained.

Blue Skies Expected Through Saturday with Air Quality Trending Good - Release Updated: August 14, 2008 @ 17:00

Contact: Doug Gearhart, Deputy APCO or Cheri Kendrick, SrAQE at 263-7000

Lake County’s air remained in the good to moderate classification with healthful air and blue skies for more than two weeks. Though the AQI for particulate matter has been in the moderate range for the past couple days, it is trending good and is expected to remain in the good range through Saturday. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Some residual smoke has returned to the Lake County Air Basin over the past couple days, from many uncontrolled fires burning in the north part of the state. Progress is being made on wildfires burning on federal land but much of the complexes are in rugged and remote areas.

Winds are expected to be from the west through Saturday, keeping smoke to the north of Lake County. The more northerly winds contribute to periods of smoke in the Lake County Air Basin from these ongoing uncontained large wildfires.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout areas of Northern California on occasion, including Lake County, though at a much reduced level, until the lightning Complex wildfires are contained.

Hazy Conditions but Air Quality is Expected to be in the Good to Moderate Range Through Thursday - Release Updated: August 13, 2008 @ 17:00

Contact: Doug Gearhart, Deputy APCO or Cheri Kendrick, SrAQE at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with healthful air and blue skies for more than two weeks. Although hazy, the air quality is expected to be in the good to moderate range for the next couple days. Our normal blue skies are expected to return by Friday. On August 12 the AQI was 80, an AQI above 50 would be in the moderate range. Today the AQI is trending moderate, but improving. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Some residual smoke is returning to the Lake County Air Basin from many uncontrolled fires burning in the north part of the state. Progress is being made on wildfires burning on federal land but much of the complexes are in rugged and remote areas.

Winds are expected to be variable from the west northwest today and tomorrow switching back to a more westerly pattern, ranging from southwest to northwest by Friday. The northerly winds are contributing to smoke intrusions in the Lake County Air Basin from these ongoing uncontained large wildfires.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout areas of Northern California on occasion, including Lake County, though at a much reduced level, until the lightning Complex wildfires are contained.

Hazy Conditions but Air Quality is Expected to be in the Good Range Through Wednesday - Release Updated: August 12, 2008 @ 17:00

Contact: Doug Gearhart, Deputy APCO or Cheri Kendrick, SrAQE at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with healthful air and blue skies for more than two weeks. Although hazy, the air quality is expected to be in the good range through the next couple days. Our normal blue skies are expected to return by Friday. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Ambient Air Quality Standard is expected. On August 11 the AQI was 47, an AQI of 50 would be in the moderate range. Today the AQI is trending good. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Some residual smoke is returning to the Lake County Air Basin from many uncontrolled fires burning in the north part of the state. Progress is being made on wildfires burning on federal land but much of the complexes are in rugged and remote areas.

Winds are expected to be variable from the west northwest today and tomorrow switching back to a more westerly pattern, ranging from southwest to northwest by Wednesday. The northerly winds are contributing to smoke intrusions in the Lake County Air Basin from these ongoing uncontained large wildfires.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout areas of Northern California on occasion, including Lake County, though at a much reduced level, until the lightning Complex wildfires are contained.

Lake County - No Smoke Intrusions for More than Two Weeks - Good Air Quality is Expected Through Next Several Days - Release Updated: August 10, 2008 @ 20:30

Contact: Bob Reynolds, APCO at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with healthful air and blue skies for more than two weeks. The air quality is expected to be in the good range through the next several days, and likely several more days. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to remain in the good range below 50. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given. Minor haze may occur Monday morning through afternoon but is expected to clear away.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin, which last occurred on July 25th, resulted primarily from the distant Yolla Bolly complex and Lime complex wildfires. These uncontained wildfires continue to burn resulting in light occasions of haze, but containment has reached 90% and smoke output is considerably less. Progress is being made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the complexes are in rugged and remote areas, and containment for the Yolla Bolly is projected to be August 15th. Other more northen fires are expected to be controlled even later. The Soda and Mendocino Lightening Complex fires as well as the Butte Lightening Complex that started in late June are all contained. All fires in Lake County were contained last month.

Winds are expected to be ligth but northerly tonight switching back to the prevailing westerly and range from southwest to northwest starting Tuesday, keeping smoke from these ongoing uncontained large wildfires to the north and east of the the Lake County Air Basin.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout areas of Northern California on occasion, including Lake County, though at a much reduced level, until the Lime and Yolla Bolly Complex wildfires are contained.

Further updates of this status message are not planned unless a smoke intrusion is expected to occur.

Lake County - No Smoke Intrusions for More than Two Weeks - Good Air Quality is Expected Through the Weekend and Subsequent Days - Release Updated: August 8, 2008 @ 15:30

Contact: Bob Reynolds, APCO or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with healthful air and blue skies for more than two weeks. The air quality is expected to be in the good range through the weekend, and likely several more days. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to remain in the good range below 50. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin, which last occurred on July 25th, resulted primarily from the distant Yolla Bolly complex and Lime complex wildfires. These uncontained wildfires continue to burn resulting in light occasions of haze, but containment is improving and smoke output is considerably less. Progress is being made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime and Yolla Bolly complexes are in rugged and remote areas, and containment is projected to be August 15th. The Soda and Mendocino Lightening Complex fires as well as the Butte Lightening Complex that started in late June are all contained. The Yolla Bolly which was lightening caused is now 70% contained. All fires in Lake County were contained last month.

Winds are expected to be prevailing southwesterly and range from southwest to northwest through the next several days with good upward ventilation, keeping smoke from these ongoing uncontained large wildfires to the north and east of the the Lake County Air Basin.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout areas of Northern California on occasion, including Lake County, though at a much reduced level, until the Lime and Yolla Bolly Complex wildfires are contained.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through the Next Several Days- Release Updated: August 7, 2008 @ 15:00

Contact: Bob Reynolds, APCO or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with blue skies for the last two weeks. The air quality is expected to be in the good range through the next several days. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to remain in the good range. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin, which last occurred on July 25th resulted primarily from the distant Yolla Bolly complex and Lime complex wildfires. These uncontained wildfires continue to burn resulting in light occasions of haze, but containment is improving and smoke output is believed to be considerably less. Progress is being made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime and Yolla Bolly complexes are in rugged and remote areas, and is projected to be contained by August 15th. The Soda and Mendocino Lightening Complex fires as well as the Butte Lightening Complex that started in late June are all contained. The Yolla Bolly which was lightening caused is now 70% contained. All fires in Lake County were contained last month.

Winds are expected to be prevailing westerly and range from southwest to northwest through the next several days and with good upward ventilation, keeping smoke from these ongoing uncontained large wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County's Air Basin.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout areas of Northern California on occasion, including Lake County, though at a much reduced level, until the Lime and Yolla Bolly Complex wildfires are contained.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through Tuesday
August 5th - Release Updated: August 4, 2008 @ 15:30

Contact: Cheri Kendrick, SrAQE or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with blue skies for over a week. The air quality is expected to be in the good range through Tuesday. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Tuesday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to remain in the good range. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin which last occurred over a week ago resulted primarily from the distant Yolla Bolly complex and remainder of the Lime complex. These uncontained wildfires continue to burn resulting in light occasions of haze but containment is improving and smoke output is believed to be less. Though progress is being made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime and Yolla Bolly complexes are in rugged and remote areas and are unlikely to be extinguished soon. The Soda and Mendocino Lightening Complex fires as well as the Butte Lightening Complex that started in late June are all contained. The Yolla Bolly is now 50% contained. All fires in Lake County were contained last month.

Winds are expected to be southwest to northwest through Tuesday, keeping the smoke from these ongoing large wildfires to the north of Lake County's Air Basin.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout areas of Northern California, including Lake County, though at a reduced level, until the Lime and Yolla Bolly Complex wildfires are contained.

Further updates of this status message are not planned unless a smoke intrusion is expected to occur.

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Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through Tueday
August 5th - Release Updated: August 3, 2008 @ 17:30

Contact: Bob Reynolds, APCO or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has remained in the good classification with blue skies for over a week. The air quality is expected to be in the good range through Tuesday. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Tuesday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to remain in the good range. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin which last occurred over a week ago resulted primarily from the distant Yolla Bolly complex and remainder of the Lime complex. These uncontained wildfires continue to burn resulting in light occasions of haze but containment is improving and smoke output is believed to be less. Though progress is being made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime and Yolla Bolly complexes are in rugged and remote areas and are unlikely to be extinguished soon. The Soda and Butte, and local and state lands lightning strike Caused Complex Wildfires of June 20th and 21st are contained. The Yolla Bolly is now 45% contained. All fires were contained within Lake County last month.

Winds are expected to be south to northwest through Tuesday. This should keep smoke from the ongoing large wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County Air Basin.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout areas of Northern California, including Lake County, though at a reduced level, until the Lime and Yolla Bolly complex wildfires are contained. Fortunately Lake County is distant from these ongoing uncontained wildfires located near the Trinity, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties juncture.

Further updates of this status message are not planned unless a smoke intrusion is expected to occur.

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Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through Monday
August 4th - Release Updated: August 2, 2008 @ 07:30

Contact: Bob Reynolds, APCO or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has improved and remained in the good classification this week. The air quality is expected to be in the good range for the weekend, with no smoke intrusions expected. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Monday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to remain in the good range. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin which last occurred July 25th resulted primarily from the distant Yolla Bolly complex and remainder of the Lime complex. Some uncontained wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in light occasions of haze and degraded air quality. Though progress has been made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime and Yolla Bolly complexes are in rugged and remote areas and are unlikely to be extinguished soon. The Soda Butte Complex wildfires are contained. Yolla Bolly is now 45% contained. No uncontained fires remain in Lake County. Winds are expected to be southwest to northwest and should continue through Monday. This should keep most smoke from these ongoing wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County Air Basin.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County, though at a reduced level, until all the numerous lightning caused wildfires are out.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through Friday
August 1st - Release Updated: July 31, 2008 @ 16:00

Contact: Bob Reynolds, APCO or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has improved and remained in the good classification this week. The air quality is expected to be in the good range for Friday, with slight possibility of smoke intrusions. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Thursday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the good to moderate range. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Recent smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin during last week resulted primarily from the Yolla Bolly complex and remainder of the Lime complex. Less uncontained wildfires continue to burn in Northern California, though those that are still uncontained are resulting in occasional smoke, haze and degraded air quality. Though progress has been made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime and Yolla Bolly complexes are in rugged and remote areas and are unlikely to be extinguished soon. The Soda Butte Complex wildfires are contained. Yolla Bolly is only 35% contained. No uncontained fires remain in Lake County. Winds are expected to be southwest to northwest and should continue through Friday. This should keep most smoke from these ongoing wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County Air Basin. There is a slight chance of northerly winds developing, but it is likely good conditions will prevail through Saturday.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County, though at a reduced level, until all the numerous lightning caused wildfires are out.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good to Moderate Range Through Thursday
July 31st - Release Updated: July 30, 2008 @ 16:00

Contact: Bob Reynolds, APCO or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has improved and remained in the good classification this week. The air quality is expected to be in the good to moderate range for Thursday, with slight worsening of smoke intrusions. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Thursday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the good to moderate range. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Recent smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin during last week resulted primarily from the Yolla Bolly complex and remainder of the Lime complex. Several uncontained wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in occasional smoke, haze and degraded air quality. Though progress has been made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime and Yolla Bolly complexes are in rugged and remote areas and are unlikely to be extinguished soon. The Soda Complex wildfire is contained. Yolla Bolly is only 30% contained. No uncontained fires remain in Lake County. Winds are expected to be west to northwest and should continue through Thursday. This should keep most smoke from these ongoing wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County Air Basin. There is a chance of northerly winds developing overnigh, but are not expected.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County until the numerous lightning caused wildfires are out.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through Wednesday

July 30th - Release Updated: July 29, 2008 @ 16:00  

Contact:  Doug Gearhart, Deputy APCO or Warren Massie, AQT at 263-7000

Lake County’s air has improved this week and is expected to continue through Wednesday. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Wednesday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the good range. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin last week resulted primarily from the Yolla Bolly(25% contained) complex and remainder of the Lime complex(74% contained). Several uncontained wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in occasional smoke, haze and degraded air quality. Though progress has been made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime and Yolla Bolly complexes are in rugged and remote areas and are unlikely to be extinguished soon. The Soda Complex wildfire was reported contained as of 7/28/08. No uncontained fires remain in Lake County. Winds are expected to be west to northwest and should continue through Wednesday. This should keep smoke from these ongoing wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County Air Basin.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County until the numerous lightning caused wildfires are out.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through Tuesday July 29th - Release Updated: July 28, 2008 @ 16:00  

Contact:  Bob Reynolds APCO 263-7000

Our normal blue skies that may be missing on occasion, are expected to continue through Tuesday. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Tuesday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the good range but may reach moderate. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin last week resulted primarily from the Yolla Bolly complex and remainder of the Lime complex which remain largely uncontained. Several uncontained wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in occasions of smoke, haze and degraded air quality. Though progress has been made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime Complex area is rugged and remote and is unlikely to be completely controlled soon. The Soda Complex wildfire was reported contained as of 7/28/08.  No uncontained fires remain in Lake County. Winds are expected to predominantly be west through northwest and prevail through Tuesday. This should keep smoke from these major ongoing wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County Air Basin. Moderate air quality conditions may develop overnight, if east or north winds occur, but at a much reduced smoke impact as compared to last Thursday should they occur.

Presently, the skies are blue and winds are expected to keep the remaining major Yolla Bolly and Lime Complex wildfires genrated smoke out of Lake County through Tuesday.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County until the numerous lightning caused wildfires are out. All fires are presently dispersing smoke to a higher height and diluting more during transport, partially mitigating any transport of smoke from distant fires.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through Monday July 28th - Release Updated: July 28, 2008 @ 08:00  

Contact:  Bob Reynolds APCO 263-7000

Our normal blue skies that have been missing on occasion, are expected to continue through Tuesday. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Tuesday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the good range but may reach moderate. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin last week resulted primarily from the Yolla Bolly complex and remainder of the Lime complex, which remain largely uncontained. Several other uncontained wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in occasions of smoke, haze and degraded air quality. Though progress has been made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime Complex area is rugged and remote and is unlikely to be completely controlled soon. The Soda Complex wildfire was reported contained as of 7/28/08.  No uncontained fires remain in Lake Coounty. Winds are expected to predominantly be west through northwest and prevail through Tuesday. This should keep smoke from these major ongoing wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County Air Basin. Moderate air quality conditions may develop overnight, if east or north winds occur, but at a much reduced smoke impact as compared to last Thursday should they occur.

Presently, the skies are blue and winds are expected to keep the remaining major Yolla Bolly and Lime Complex wildfires genrated smoke out of Lake County through Tuesday.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County until the numerous lightning caused wildfires are out. All fires are presently dispersing smoke to a higher height and diluting more during transport, partially mitigating any transport of smoke from distant fires.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to be in the Good Range Through Monday July 28th - Release Updated: July 27, 2008 @ 12:00  

Contact:  Bob Reynolds APCO 263-7000

Though our normal blue skies may be missing on occasion, it is nice to see them back this weekend. No exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard is expected through Tuesday. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the good range but may reach moderate. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain well below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

Smoke intrusions into the Lake County Air Basin last week resulted primarily from the Yolla Bolly complex and remainder of the Lime complex which remain largely uncontained. Several uncontained wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in occasions of smoke, haze and degraded air quality. Though progress has been made on wildfires remaining on federal land, much of the Lime Complex area is rugged and remote and is unlikely to be completely controlled soon. The Soda Complex wildfire was reported at 97% contained as of 7/23/08.  Southwest winds are expected to change to west through northwest winds and prevail through Tuesday. This should keep smoke from these major ongoing wildfires to the north and east of the Lake County Air Basin. Moderate air quality conditions may develop overnight, if east or north winds occur, but at a much reduced smoke impact as compared to last Thursday should they occur.

Presently, the skies are blue and winds are expected to keep the remaining major Yolla Bolly and Lime Complex wildfires genrated smoke out of Lake County through Tuesday.

Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County until the numerous lightning caused wildfires are out. All fires are presently dispersing smoke to a higher height and diluting more during transport, partially mitigating any transport of smoke from distant fires.

Click here for Wildfire's Status

Lake County's Air Quality expected to be Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Group through the Weekend

Air Quality in Lake County has Degraded from Smoke Intrusions
(Joint Public Information Release of the Health Department and AQMD)
RELEASE UPDATE of July 25th, 2008 @ 16:30

CONTACTS:

Dr. KarenTait, Health Officer @ 263-1090         Doug Gearhart or Warren Massie @ 263-7000
Lake County Health Department                        Lake County Air Quality Management District

Smoke from Northern California wildfires continues to impact Lake County. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the moderate range for a 24 hour average. Although the 24 hour average may be moderate trending to unhealthy for sensitive groups, mid-day to early evening conditions have been in the unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy range. Conditions are expected to improve slightly for Saturday into Sunday with West to Northwest winds developing. North to Northwest winds will bring smoke back into the basin and could cause unhealthy conditions to develop.

Smokey conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages, which can be hazardous in young children, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions or chronic lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.

Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait advises area residents to be
cautious. “Variable weather conditions and ongoing fire activity may result in localized areas of reduced air quality, which could pose health risks to people with underlying health conditions. Since we can’t always predict when and where ‘pockets’ of poorer air quality may occur, it is prudent to be careful until conditions stabilize.”

Individuals with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung or heart diseases should carefully adhere to their medical treatment plans and maintain at least a five-day supply of supply of prescribed medications. They should limit outdoor activity and unnecessary physical exertion. Drinking plenty of water to avoid drying of the airways is generally recommended, unless restricted for medical reasons.

Dust masks are not protective against the most harmful pollutants caused by wildfire smoke that drifts to nearby areas. They are useful in filtering out the larger particles and ash that are encountered in burn areas and should be considered when recovering property or cleaning areas that have burned. Air purifying respirators, such as N-95 filtering face pieces, may be effective in reducing harmful particulate matter, but also increase the work of breathing, can lead to physiologic stress, and are not recommended for the general public in Lake County. Their use should be limited to individual circumstances requiring additional protection in personnel trained and familiar with the proper fitting and use of these devices.

Mechanical air filtering units with HEPA filters, can be useful. It is important that the size and the air flow of the unit be matched to the indoor space it is intended to treat. There are a variety of other devices marketed to purify air that should be avoided, as they might be ineffective under wildfire circumstances and some can actually worsen the air quality by producing ozone.

The Yolla Bolly complex, Lime complex and numerous other wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in smoke, haze and degraded air quality, though progress has been made on these federal land wildfires. The Soda complex wildfire is 95% contained as of July 24th and currently is a minor impact for the county. West to Northeast winds have transported smoke to the Lake County Air Basin with conditions expected to remain unchanged through the weekend. Unhealthy air quality conditions may develop and persist should winds shift to a more northerly flow. Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County, until the wildfires are completely contained.

Lake County's Air Quality expected to be Moderate to Unhealthy for Friday July 25, 2008

Air Quality in Lake County has Degraded from Smoke Intrusions - Caution is Urged
(Joint Public Information Release of the Health Department and AQMD)
RELEASE UPDATE of July 24th, 2008 @ 16:30

CONTACTS:

Dr. KarenTait, Health Officer @ 263-1090   Doug Gearhart or Warren Massie @ 263-7000
Lake County Health Department                   Lake County Air Quality Management District

Smoke from Northern California wildfires continues to impact Lake County. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the moderate range for a 24 hour average. Although the 24 hour average may be moderate trending to unhealthy, mid-day to early evening conditions have been in the unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy range, with similar conditions expected Friday, July 24, 2008.

Smokey conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air assages, which can be hazardous in young children, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions or chronic lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.

Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait advises area residents to be cautious. “Variable weather conditions and ongoing fire activity may result in localized areas of reduced air quality, which could pose health risks to people with underlying health conditions. Since we can’t always predict when and where ‘pockets’ of poorer air quality may occur, it is prudent to be careful until conditions stabilize.”

Individuals with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung or heart diseases should carefully adhere to their medical treatment plans and maintain at least a five-day supply of supply of prescribed medications. They should limit outdoor activity and unnecessary physical exertion. Drinking plenty of water to avoid drying of the airways is generally recommended, unless restricted for medical reasons.

Dust masks are not protective against the most harmful pollutants caused by wildfire smoke that drifts to nearby areas. They are useful in filtering out the larger particles and ash that are encountered in burn areas and should be considered when recovering property or cleaning areas that have burned. Air purifying respirators, such as N-95 filtering face pieces, may be effective in reducing harmful particulate matter, but also increase the work of breathing, can lead to physiologic stress, and are not recommended for the general public in Lake County. Their use should be limited to individual circumstances requiring additional protection in personnel trained and familiar with the proper fitting and use of these devices.

Mechanical air filtering units with HEPA filters, can be useful. It is important that the size and the air flow of the unit be matched to the indoor space it is intended to treat. There are a variety of other devices marketed to purify air that should be avoided, as they might be ineffective under wildfire circumstances and some can actually worsen the air quality by producing ozone.

The Yolla Bolly complex, Lime complex and numerous other wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in smoke, haze and degraded air quality, though progress has been made on these federal land wildfires. The Soda complex wildfire is 95% contained as of July 24th and currently is a minor impact for the county. West to Northeast winds have transported smoke to the Lake County Air Basin with conditions expected to remain unchanged through Friday. Unhealthy air quality conditions may develop and persist through Saturday July 26, 2008. West to Southwest winds have kept smoke to the North of Lake County for much of the past week, but wind directions have shifted resulting in the return of smoke to the air basin. Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County, until the wildfires are completely contained.

Lake County’s Air Quality expected to remain in the Good to Moderate Range Through Thursday July 24th- RELEASE UPDATE: July 24, 2008 @  10:00 AM

Contact:  Douglas Gearhart, Deputy APCO or Warren Massie, AQT 263-7000

Smoke from Northern California wildfires continue to impact Lake County. Though our normal blue skies are sometimes missing, no exceed of a health-based State or Federal Air Quality Standard has occurred this week. Using the Federal Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate matter, Lake County’s air quality is expected to be in the good to moderate range. The AQI for particulate is expected to remain below 101 where an unhealthy alert is given.

The Yolla Bolly complex, Lime complex and numerous wildfires continue to burn in Northern California resulting in smoke, haze and degraded air quality, though progress has been made on these federal land wildfires. West to Northeast winds have transported smoke to the Lake County Air Basin with conditions expected to remain unchanged through Thursday. Moderate air quality conditions may develop in to overnight hours. West to Southwest winds have kept smoke to the North of Lake County for much of the past week, but wind directions have shifted resulting in the return of smoke to the basin. Parts of the county including confined valleys may experience periods of localized moderate to unhealthy impacts for sensitive groups as smoke settles in to those locations. Residual smoke can be expected to remain throughout all areas of Northern California, including Lake County, until the wildfires are completely contained.