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From the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District:

The Monument Fire, McFarland Fire, River Complex, and Antelope Fire, remain active with significant smoke impacts to fire vicinity, along river drainages and over a wide area. Areas to the west will be heavily impacted today, but will hopefully get some clearing tonight. Smoke along the coast is expected to remain aloft with impacts to higher elevation areas. For today, there is a light SE flow this morning, then shifting to a light NW flow this afternoon. Air quality monitors and the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for communities should be viewed at this link.

USFS Air Resource Advisors (ARA) assigned to the Monument/McFarland and River Complex fires provides daily ARA Smoke Outlook Forecasts at this link.

ALERT
Hazardous Conditions (AQI 301 and higher, 24 hr avg):

• Weaverville, Lewiston – Hazardous conditions, with Very Unhealthy expected on Thursday

ADVISORY
Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy Conditions (AQI 151-300 range, 24 hr avg):

• Willow Creek – Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy, some overnight clearing possible
• Hoopa –Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy, some overnight clearing possible
• Orleans – Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy, some overnight clearing possible 
• Weitchpec – Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy 
• Trinity Center – monitoring down; Unhealthy conditions expected into Thursday
• Burnt Ranch, Junction City – monitoring down at both locations; expect Very Unhealthy to Hazardous
• Hayfork – Very Unhealthy with periods of Hazardous conditions, Very Unhealthy expected Thursday
• Douglas City – Very Unhealthy with periods of Hazardous conditions
• Platina – Very Unhealthy to Hazardous conditions

Regional Smoke Outlooks
Good, Moderate, to USG Conditions (AQI 0-150 range, 24 hr avg):

Humboldt County: (see above Alert & Advisory for some communities) 

• Eureka (including Scotia to Trinidad) – Good with periods of Moderate conditions 
• Kneeland – Good to Moderate with periods of USG to Unhealthy possible 
• Klamath – Moderate with periods of USG 
• Garberville – Good to Moderate with periods of USG conditions 
• Redway – Good to Moderate with periods of USG conditions

Del Norte County: 

• Crescent City – Good to Moderate conditions 
• Gasquet – Good to Moderate with periods of USG to Unhealthy conditions possible 
• Klamath – Moderate with periods of USG

Health Information & Actions To Protect Yourself From 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.

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.

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 further information, visit the District’s website or call the District’s Wildfire Response Coordinator at (707) 443-3093 x122.