Martin’s Ferry Bridge in Weitchpec, yesterday | Raven Pletcher

At a Friday morning press conference in Eureka, the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services announced it was declaring a public health emergency as a result of adverse health impacts experienced due to the continued presence of wildfire smoke in the east.

Public Health Officer Donald Baird said the decision to make the declaration was made after consulting other agencies and due to the combination of current fire, weather and smoke conditions. He went on to list activities residents of highly affected areas should either consider or avoid: 

  • Stay indoors (especially during peak daylight hours)
  • Avoid unnecessary exercise
  • Keep your home airtight (use your air conditioner)
  • Change filters air filters in both your home and your car
  • Create a safe room in your house
  • Avoid cooking (can produce additional fumes)
  • When using a mask, make sure it fits properly. Don’t assume masks will protect you — use them sparingly outdoors only when absolutely necessary (more on proper mask use much farther down).

(AUDIO) Health Emergency Press Conference

Listen to the full (low quality) audio of the meeting above, if you so choose, and/or read the emergency resolution that was handed out to media (and then hurriedly typed out by us) this morning:

Local health, weather and emergency officials take questions from the media at Friday’s press conference

-RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL HEALTH EMERGENCY-

WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2447 of the County of Humboldt empowers the Public Health Officer to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a Local Health Emergency in the county or any area thereof, subject to ratification by the Board of Supervisors within seven days; and

WHEREAS, conditions of significant risk to the health and safety of persons have arisen within this county, caused by air quality impacts due to smoke from multiple wildfire that began on July, 30 2015, with severe sustained smoke impacts commencing on or about 3 p.m. on the 16th day of August; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Humboldt is not session (and cannot immediately be called into session); 

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED that a Local Health Emergency now exists throughout said county; and

IT IS FURTHERMORE PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that during the existence of said Local Health Emergency the powers, functions, and duties of the emergency organization of the county shall be those prescribed by state law, by (charter) ordinances, and resolutions of this county, and by the County of Humboldt Emergency Operations Plan, as approved by the Board of Supervisors on 7 April 2015, until its termination is proclaimed by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Humboldt, State of California.

Dated: 19 Aug., 2015; By Donald Baird MD, Public Health Officer, County of Humboldt

# # #

Additionally, a sheet detailing tips for how to create a clean room in your home were distributed (previously published by The Outpost here) and a list of east county locations designated as cleaner air centers for residents impacted by smoke was revealed. They are: 

Willow Creek Community Resource Center
38883 Highway 299, Willow Creek
Ph: 530-629-3141
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Neighborhood Facility - Hoopa Valley Tribe
Highway 96, Hoopa
Ph: 530-625-4211
Mon-Sun, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Libby Nix Community Center - Yurok Tribe
2301 Highway 96, Weitchpec
Ph: 530-625-4130
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

# # #

What about masks? Glad you asked!:

Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can make you cough and wheeze, and can make it hard to breathe. If you have asthma or another lung disease, or heart disease, inhaling wildfire smoke can be especially harmful.

Staying indoors and reducing physical activity are the best ways to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Wearing a special mask called a “particulate respirator” can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

How to Choose the Correct Mask to Protect Your Lungs

  • Choose a mask called a “particulate respirator” that has the word “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it. These are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and pharmacies.
  • Choose a mask that has two straps that go around your head. DO NOT choose a mask with only one strap or with straps that just hook over the ears.
  • Choose a size that will fit over your nose and under your chin. It should seal tightly to your face. These masks do not come in sizes that fit young children.
  • Do not use bandanas (wet or dry), paper or surgical masks, or tissues held over the mouth and nose. These will not protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

How to Use a Mask

  • Place the mask over your nose and under your chin, with one strap placed below the ears and one strap above.
  • Pinch the metal part of the mask tightly over the top of your nose.
  • The mask fits best on clean shaven skin.
  • Throw out your mask when it gets harder to breathe through, or if the
  • inside gets dirty. Use a new mask each day if you can.
  • It is harder to breathe through a mask, so take breaks often if you work outside.
  • If you feel dizzy or nauseated, go to a less smoky area, take off your mask and get medical help.
  • If you have a heart or lung problem, ask your doctor before using a mask.
  • For more information about protecting yourself from wildfire smoke, call your local health department.

# # #

A few more quick notes:

  • Last night the Hoopa Valley Tribe declared its own state of emergency.
  • This morning the National Weather Service tweeted a GIF-projection of today’s expected smoke patterns: