Good to Moderate air quality continues throughout much of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties. Subsequently, no Air Quality Advisories or Alerts have been issued. However, the Tulley Fire near Weitchpec and the Gap Fire in the Klamath National Forest in Northwest Siskiyou County, may cause limited smoke impacts.

Depending on fire activity and proximity to the fire, the Tulley Fire in Weitchpec may cause minor smoke impacts for residents in and along the river drainages (Redwood Creek, Klamath, Weitchpec, Hoopa and surrounding communities).

Reports indicate the Gap Fire is now about 23,896 acres and is about 25% contained. The fire continues to burn actively along Highway 96 and the Klamath River. There may be areas of patchy smoke impacting Northeast Humboldt and Northwest Trinity Counties including Willow Creek, Weaverville, and Hayfork in the afternoon to evening. Patchy smoke may impact the Klamath River Valley including Orleans near Hoopa. Little change in overall conditions are expected through Labor Day.

Yesterday’s view in Willow Creek. Photo provided by Pauline Johnson-Avelar.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) concentrations continue to be monitored throughout the air District at the following locations: Crescent City, Orleans, Weitchpec, Hoopa, Willow Creek, Weaverville, and Eureka.

Fire information can be found at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov. Subsequent Wildfire Smoke Public Service Announcements will be issued should conditions change.

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.

Gap Fire. Klamath National Forest Service.

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, lightheadedness.

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  Eureka National Weather Service.

  Eureka National Weather Service:

  Smoke is spreading south-southwest from the Gap Fire in Siskiyou County resulting in hazy skies over portions of Northwest California.
  
  Overnight northeast winds will continue for the next several days. This may allow smoke to continue spreading our way.