FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2018
Contact: Courtney Vanbragt, cvanbragt@klamathcounty.org, or Valeree Lane, vlane@klamathcounty.org, 541.882.8846

 

Smoke intrusion from California wildfire influences Klamath’s air quality

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Smoke intrusion from California’s County Fire, which is east of Lake Berryessa in Napa and Yolo counties, is expected to create air quality concerns in Klamath County. The air quality outlook for 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday July 6 is expected to be in the range of moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.  

The Weather Service is forecasting south to southeast winds during the day, which will facilitate the smoke reaching the Klamath Basin. Forecast models indicate that the smoke may remain in the area into midafternoon. Sensitive groups, such as people with asthma, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion, and consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.  Everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, and take more breaks during all outdoor activities.  

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

To learn how to use visibility to measure risk of health effects, visit

http://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/Pages/Wildfires-Visibility.aspx.

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