‘Stay indoors.’ Wildfire smoke, unhealthy air quality won’t leave Valley this weekend

No less than eight of the state’s active wildfires are dumping smoke and accompanying particulate matter, including PM2.5, into the Valley air basin – in case you’re wondering why the horizon looks straight out of a Star Wars film (just check Instagram) and the air quality has been asthma-triggeringly bad.

Just how unhealthy is our air?

Very, says the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which issued another health caution on Friday, urging residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, young children and the elderly, to remain indoors through the weekend.

“Through this week, PM2.5 concentrations have continued to increase, resulting in very unhealthy air quality across the region,” the district said. “Anyone experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke should move indoors, to a filtered, air-conditioned environment with windows closed. The common cloth and paper masks individuals are wearing due to COVID-19 concerns may not protect them from wildfire smoke.”

The health caution will remain in place until the fires are extinguished, and the districts predicts unhealthy air quality to affect the Valley into next week.

You can track the air quality in your area online with the District’s Real-time Air Advisory Network, though the district says if you can smell smoke and see ash, the air quality conditions are likely Level 4 or Level 5. This is a good indication that you should limit outdoor activity and remain inside (with air conditioning if possible).

Those with asthma or other lung diseases, should follow doctor’s instructions for medicine and asthma management. Some will want to talk with doctors about whether they should leave the area.

What’s different about this August?

In terms of air quality, it’s ozone (aka smog) that typically affects the Valley during the summer, and there’s been a downward trend in ozone levels over the past few years, according to Heather Heinks, an air district spokesperson. Last year was one of the best ozone seasons on records.

What the Valley is experiencing now is reminiscent of the conditions caused by the Camp Fire in 2018.

“Without the wildfires,” Heinks said, “it wouldn’t be like this.”

This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 9:54 AM.