LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Officials said Friday that Lake County’s air quality continues to improve after days of clogging wildland fire smoke, with the weekend forecast showing air quality to be in the “good” category.
Lake County Air Quality Management District, which issued the Friday update, also advised that community members should remain cautious due to the ability for conditions to change rapidly.
The district said testing shows that ozone and particulate levels remain below the state and federal health-based standards.
The Mill Fire in the Colusa County portion of the Mendocino National Forest has sent a cloud of smoke high above the horizon, with that smoke filling the air basin earlier this week.
Both Lake County and neighboring Mendocino County issued air quality alerts earlier in the week because of the smoke, and the East Park Reservoir in Colusa County also was closed to recreation activities in part because of air conditions.
The local air district said the improved conditions seen in the latter part of the week resulted from firefighting efforts and sustained westerly transport winds.
Smoke impacts in Lake County are likely through the weekend as east winds are forecast for parts of Saturday and Sunday, the district reported.
While officials don’t anticipate unhealthy air quality throughout Lake County, localized pockets of
heavy smoke are possible.
Strong west winds are predicted for late afternoon through early evening on both Saturday and Sunday, which will help keep Lake County’s air clear of heavy smoke, the district reported.
The Mill Fire is expected to be contained on Friday, July 20, the Mendocino National Forest reported.