Ruth Lake Fire. Photos submitted by Elyse Cormier.

North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District press release:

HUMBOLDT COUNTY: Orleans, Weitchpec, Dinsmore

TRINITY COUNTY: Weaverville, Hayfork, Lewiston, Trinity Pines,

Wildwood, Big Bar, Junction City, Burnt Ranch, and Mad River Smoke levels in these area(s) have been classified as Unhealthy and are creating a health hazard. Depending upon your proximity and in areas near the fires, smoke concentrations could range from Unhealthy to even Hazardous. These conditions are problematic for those with health conditions. Smoke Levels continue to be monitored. Please watch for updates. People are recommended to restrict outdoor activity.

Symptoms that may be related to excess smoke exposure include:

• Repeated coughing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Palpitations
• Nausea or unusual fatigue
• Lightheadedness

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider. Please see the NCUAQMD’s General Public Service Announcement for recommendations on limiting smoke exposure.

TRINITY COUNTY: Denny, Hyampom Area

Smoke levels in these area(s) have been classified as Hazardous. Smoke in this area is creating a health hazard. It is anticipated that the hazardous conditions will be continue until midnight. Please watch for updates.

Clean Air Shelters in Trinity County:

Solid Rock Church (Hayfork), Open 24 hrs, 66 Tule Cr, Hayfork

Roderick Senior Center (Hayfork), 9am to 3pm., 90 Corral Ave, Hayfork

Golden Age Ctr (Weaverville), Open 9am to 7pm, 201 Browns Ranch Rd, Weaverville

Junction City School (Junction City), 9am to 7pm, 430 Red Hill Rd, Junction City

Burn Ranch School (Burnt Ranch), 251 Burnt Ranch School Rd, Burn Ranch.

Wildfire Smoke Public Service Announcement:

Current monitor results show particulate matter concentrations in the Good to Moderate range in the greater Humboldt Bay and Eureka area. However, on Saturday, based on 24-hour averages, air quality near the fires deteriorated. Hyampom and Hayfork reported Hazardous conditions, Weaverville reported Very Unhealthy conditions, and Burnt Ranch, Mad River, and Dinsmore reported Unhealthy conditions. Both an Unhealthy Advisory and Hazardous Alert have been issued for several communities near the fires (see www.ncuaqmd.org).

Air Resource Advisors on the Shasta-Trinity & Six Rivers Complexes indicate that for today, smoke dispersion will be limited due to weak Northwest transport wind over the area, while a North/Northeasterly wind is expected in Del Norte County, Siskiyou County and Shasta County.

Northwesterly/Westerly onshore wind is expected in Humboldt and Trinity County. Smoke is expected to settle in the Trinity River drainage, South Fork Trinity River drainage, and Klamath River drainage. It is anticipated that in areas such as Hayfork and Hyampom in Trinity County may experience a few hours of very high smoke concentrations.

Diminished smoke dispersion is expected until the middle of the upcoming week. Air Resource Advisors indicate that for tomorrow, smoke dispersion will be limited due to a slow transport wind over the area. A weak Northwesterly, Westerly onshore wind is expected to go into Central Trinity County only.

With weak wind overnight, smoke will again settle in the drainages of the Trinity River, South Fork Trinity River, and Klamath River. PM Monitors in areas such as Hayfork and Hyampom in Trinity County may again see high smoke concentrations for a few hours.

These are the main fires of interest that are generating smoke:

Mad River Complex (Humboldt/Trinity County)
Humboldt Complex (Humboldt County)
Route Complex (Humboldt County)
Nickowitz Fire (Humboldt County)
Gasquet Complex (Del Norte County)
South Complex (Hyampom (Trinity County)
River Complex (Trinity County)
Fork Complex (Trinity County
Rocky Fire – Lower Lake (Lake County)
Fire Information can be found at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov.

Health Information for Smoke Impacts:

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

U.S. National Weather Service Eureka California Facebook Page.