‘Unhealthy’ Air-Quality Conditions Possible Along Northern Interiors of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties This Evening as Fires Rage in California, Oregon
Thermal mapping of the Carr fire between yesterday (most of the orange) and last night (most of the red). | Images from Nasa, Graphic created by the Outpost
North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District public service announcement:
Numerous fires remain active throughout Oregon and Northern California. The main fires
that have the potential to impact our area are the Natchez, Garner Complex, Klondike and
Carr fires. The Natchez, Garner Complex, and Klondike fires are located in Southern
Oregon (closest to the California border). The Carr fire is located in Trinity County, East of
Weaverville.
The current weather forecast indicates continued high temperatures and a shift back to
Northerly winds beginning sometime Thursday evening into Friday. This will bring a return
to smokier conditions in Northern California. Expect smoke from these fires to pool along
the river drainages, impacting the very northern interior portions of Del Norte, Humboldt,
and Trinity Counties. Depending upon location, air quality along the coast is expected to
remain “Good” to “Moderate” with periods of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”. Impacted
interior areas can expect air quality conditions of “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups” with the potential for increased smoke along the river drainages.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5) monitors are presently in Gasquet, Weitchpec, Orleans, Hoopa,
Weaverville, and Eureka. Fire information can be found at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or at
www.calfire.ca.gov. Current weather information can be found at www.wrh.noaa.gov.
Updates will be provided as conditions change. For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory
Information, call toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329).
A side-by-side comparison of smoke conditions yesterday (left) and today (right). Images from MODIS.