Wildfires Impacting Air Quality in the San Joaquin Valley

The ongoing Garnet Fire in Fresno County, along with several new wildfires sparked by lightning yesterday, are producing smoke that is drifting into the Valley affecting air quality across the region. As a result, the District has issued an Air Quality Alert with the National Weather Service. Residents impacted by the smoke are advised to stay indoors to minimize exposure to particulate matter (PM) emissions. The potential for increased ozone and PM2.5 exists until the fires are extinguished.<_o3a_p>

The District strongly urges the public to take health-protective actions to stay safe when smoke from wildfires affects the Valley, including following air-quality recommendationswhen making decisions about outdoor activities. Additional health-protective actions include:<_o3a_p>

• Planning ahead and creating a clean air room<_o3a_p>

o Stay indoors<_o3a_p>

o Use portable air cleaners or high-efficiency filters to remove fine particles from the air<_o3a_p>

• Visiting a Clean Air Center. Similar to the Valley's cooling centers, the District's Clean Air Centers provide relief when wildfires & smoke events occur<_o3a_p>

Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter (PM) and ozone precursor emissions, which can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Those with existing respiratory conditions are especially susceptible to the a­­dverse health effects of this form of pollution. Anyone experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire s­moke should move indoors to a filtered, air-conditioned environment with windows closed and contact their primary care provider for more information.­­­­<_o3a_p>

The Valley Air District covers eight counties including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and San Joaquin Valley air basin portions of Kern. For additional information about the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, visit www.valleyair.org or call 559-230-6000.