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Sept. 6 Air Quality Report for Gap Fire -- Klamath National Forest


Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 27,958 acres with a growth of 2,157 acres since yesterday 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.  Fire has been brought down to the Klamath river on the south end of the fire, leaving only a small island to burn out.  On the north end of the fire, firefighters continue low intensity firing operations to eliminate unburned fuel between the control lines and the main fire.                                                                                         
Weather and Smoke Information:   Northwest flow aloft remains in place.  Little change in overall conditions are expected, temperatures we be a few degrees warmer and unchanged humidity values expected to continue through today.  Oak Knolls is expected to see Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) conditions today with Unhealthy concentrations in the afternoon to early evening.  Fort Jones and Seiad is expected to see Unhealthy conditions.  Yreka and Orleans are expected to see Moderate conditions with possible (USG) levels in the daytime.  Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland and Klamath Falls are expected to see Good conditions.   

Smoke Impacts from Local Fires
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/05/16
Forecast
09/06/16
    Outlook
09/07/16
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
USG
USG
USG
The Unhealthy concentrations may be observed in the late afternoon to early evening.
Seiad
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
May see Very Unhealthy smoke levels in the afternoon.
Yreka
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
May see USG smoke levels in the daytime.
Fort Jones
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
The worst concentrations may be observed in the late afternoon to early evening.
Orleans
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
May see USG 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
Forecast conditions represent impacts from smoke.  Contributions from ozone and other pollutants are not reflected.

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