Mendocino Air District warns of “unhealthy” air due to fires

MENDOCINO Co., 8/23/20 — The Mendocino Air Quality Management District is now warning that inland portions of the county, especially in the south, may experience air quality in the “unhealthy” range due to the smoke drifting over from the various wildfires burning across California. It’s no surprise that the smoke would affect us, models at NOAA indicate that the smoke from the fires may reach as far as New York and even Nova Scotia.

As conditions worsen, expect air quality to occasionally dip into the “very unhealthy” range.

Here is the press release from the MCAQMD:

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ADVISORIES FOR MENDOCINO COUNTY 
AIR QUALITY 

Sunday through Tuesday, August 23-25, 2020 
August 23, 2020 8:30 AM: The smoke and haze from the active fires in Northern California are currently impacting Mendocino County, mostly inland and the southern areas. Currently air monitors show particulate matter concentrations in the “Moderate” to “Unhealthy” range for most of the County. Inland communities and surrounding areas may experience episodes of “Unhealthy” air quality, depending on fire, wind and other meteorological conditions. These include Hopland, Ukiah, Calpella, Redwood Valley, Potter Valley, Willits, Brooktrails, Covelo, Boonville, Philo and Yorkville. 

Based on changing tropical storm meteorological conditions, expect smoke impacts to continue in Mendocino County. Triple digit heat with persistent high pressure may bring occasional impacts of “Very Unhealthy” air. While surrounding wildfires are active expect unpredictable smoke impacts to air quality followed by multiple periods of some relief. 

More lightning and thunderstorms are forecast for Mendocino County today and early next week. 

Smoke in heavy concentrations can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. When air conditions are ‘Unhealthy,’ everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion activities outdoors. Since facial coverings do not offer protection from smoke, consider staying indoors and limiting outdoor air intake (e.g. close windows) at these times. 

Mendocino County Air Quality Management District continuously monitors the air quality, reporting particulate matter and ozone concentrations hourly to our website: www.mendoair.org. In the sidebar on the right of our webpage (scroll down if using a mobile device), under “Air Quality for Mendocino”–Click Here for current conditions, forecast, and email alerts. For additional information, click on an air quality index range, or the colored tabs below the map. 

For more air quality information visit: https://fire.airnow.gov 
For information on wildfire smoke and COVID-19: 
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/covid-19/wildfire_smoke_covid-19.html
To sign up for air quality notifications visit: http://www.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm

MENDOCINO COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT