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Sept. 5 Air Quality Report for Gap Fire -- Klamath National Forest


Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 25,801 and 30% contained.  On the eastern and western edges of the fire, crews will continue to mop-up and patrol the line.  Crews will continue to provide structure defense along the Hwy 96 corridor, continue firing operations where needed, and mop up and hold line when safe to do so.  In the northwest part of the fire, crews will evaluate and continue low intensity firing operations and mop up to the extent necessary to maintain control lines.    Weather and Smoke Information:   Northwest flow aloft will remain in place.  Little change in overall conditions are expected, lower temperatures and higher humidity are expected to continue through today.  Oak Knolls is expected to see Unhealthy conditions today with worst concentrations in the afternoon to early evening.  Fort Jones is expected to see Unhealthy conditions.  Yreka is expected to see Good conditions with possible Moderate levels in the daytime.  Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland and Klamath Falls are expected to see Good conditions.  Orleans is expected to see Good conditions with possible Moderate smoke levels in the afternoon.  Seiad should see Moderate conditions with potential Unhealthy for Sensitive Group (USG) levels in the afternoon.
 
Smoke Impacts from Local Fires
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/04/16
Forecast
09/05/16
    Outlook
09/06/16
Worst Time of Day Impacts
AQI and Period
Grants Pass
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Medford
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Ashland
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
 
Klamath Falls
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Oak Knoll RS
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
The worst concentrations may be observed in the late afternoon to early evening.
Seiad
Moderate
USG
USG
May see USG smoke levels in the afternoon.
Yreka
Good
Good
Good
May see Moderate smoke levels in the daytime.
Fort Jones
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
The worst concentrations may be observed in the late afternoon to early evening.
Orleans
Good
Good
Good
May see Moderate smoke levels in the afternoon.
Colors displayed above correspond roughly with the AQI chart below. 
Conditions may change quickly, these projections are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.  Sensitive groups including individuals with Asthma, lung or heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. If you feel as though you are having health effects from smoke see your doctor or health professional as needed. In some cases your eyes are your best tools, if it is smoky outside you are being impacted. Use caution when driving in or around smoky areas.
AQI Index
Actions to Protect Yourself
Good
None
 
Moderate
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - USG
People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.  Everyone else should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy           
The following groups should avoid all physical outdoor activity: People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults.  Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy
 
Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors.
Hazardous
The following groups should remain indoors and keep activity levels low: People with heart or lung disease; children and older adults. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion

Links: California Smoke Blog - http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/