A hellish sun rises in the smoky Fortuna sky at 7:15 a.m. today. | Connie Rose.

North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District press releases:

Air Quality Public Service Announcement

The drying offshore winds and an extended period of very hot and dry conditions will result in increased fire activity, smoke levels and poor air quality in Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties. Air quality will be worst in the canyons and valleys near active fires due to inversion conditions.

The drying offshore winds and an extended period of very hot and dry conditions will result in increased fire activity, smoke levels and poor air quality in Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties. Air quality will be worst in the canyons and valleys near active fires due to inversion conditions.

In Humboldt County, the Humboldt Bay Air Basin (Trinidad to Scotia) and Southern Humboldt are forecast to see smoke levels of Moderate with periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy due to offshore winds. The Miller fire East of Leggett is active and putting smoke into Southern Humboldt. These conditions are expected to continue through early Sunday.

In Del Norte County, Smoke levels of Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with periods of Unhealthy is forecast for areas outside of Crescent City. Air Quality for Klamath is forecast to be Unhealthy with periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Smoke levels for Crescent City are forecast to be Moderate. Inland areas East of Crescent City can expect Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with periods of Unhealthy.

In Trinity County, there is a Very Unhealthy Advisory for air quality from the Helena fire (Weaverville, Lewiston, Junction City, Burnt Ranch). Air quality for areas outside of the Weaverville area can expect smoke levels of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with periods of Unhealthy depending on proximity to the wildfires.

The main fires generating smoke in Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties continue to be the Helena, Orleans Complex, Eclipse Complex, Salmon August Complex, and Ruth Complex. The Oregon fires (Chetco Bar, Miller, etc) remain active with continued growth expected through the immediate future.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) monitors are presently in Eureka, Crescent City, Scotia, Weaverville, Willow Creek, Hoopa, Weitchpec, Smith River, Gasquet, Klamath and Orleans.

Firefighters workin’ hard. Photo by U.S. Forest Service.

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HUMBOLDT, DEL NORTE and TRINITY COUNTY:

Humboldt County: Smoke levels for communities in the Klamath River Drainage (Orleans and Weitchpec) are forecast to be Very Unhealthy with periods of Unhealthy. Smoke levels of Unhealthy with periods of Very Unhealthy are forecast for the communities of Hoopa, Willow Creek and Salyer.

Del Norte County: Smoke levels of Unhealthy with periods of Very Unhealthy are forecast for Smith River.

Trinity County: Very Unhealthy with periods of Hazardous in Weaverville and areas adjacent (Lewiston, Junction City, Big Bar, Del Loma) to the Helena Fire.

Smoke rises from the Six Rivers National Forest. Photo by U.S. Forest Service.

The arrival of Easterly winds, increased temperatures, inversion conditions and increased fire activity will lead to poor smoke dispersion and poor air quality through Sunday morning.

Updates will be provided should conditions change.

People are recommended to restrict outdoor activities when possible.

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.

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.

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

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.

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