LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With Lake County’s air basin continuing to see an influx of smoke from the Mill Fire in the Mendocino National Forest, county air quality officials issued another air quality alert for Thursday.
Lake County Air Quality Management District reported that because of the current weather patterns and the fact that the Mill Fire in Colusa County is still burning, Lake County is experiencing unhealthy air quality.
Air quality values have exceeded state health based particulate standards for small respirable
particulate and Ozone (photochemical smog).
The prediction for Thursday – given expected wind conditions and levels of particulate and ozone presently trapped in the air basin – is air quality levels that will be “moderate” to “unhealthy for
sensitive individuals” in Lake County, the agency reported.
Greatest concern exists from midmorning through late afternoon, with conditions expected to improve starting midafternoon as the ridge of high pressure begins to break down allowing the west winds to
start clearing out the smoke, according to the report.
Conditions are forecast to improve through the weekend resulting in a forecast for healthier air quality and cooler temperatures.
The moderate to unhealthy for sensitive individuals alert results from smoke transported by winds and ozone generated with the smoke, high temperatures, significant sunlight and humidity, the district said.
The smoke and sunlight cause chemical reactions in the air that further reduces visibility by forming secondary particles in addition to those already in the smoke. These particles draw the moisture out of the air, growing in number and size, making the haze even worse.
Smoky conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages, which can be hazardous for sensitive individual including young children, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions or chronic lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. The heat can make the stress worse, especially if exercising hard.
Residual haze and particulate from the many ongoing wildfires can be expected to continue throughout Lake County until the fires are out, the district reported.