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Sept. 7 Air Quality Report for Gap Fire -- Klamath National Forest

Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 29,759 acres with a growth of 1,801 acres since yesterday and 65% contained.   Crews working along the Highway 96 corridor will continue to provide structure defense along the highway as well as mop up and hold line where safe to do so.  On the northwest part of the fire the last portion of the fireline has been burned out, using low intensity firing operations to eliminate unburned fuel between the control lines and the main fire. Some interior islands of unburned fuel may continue to burn, but a reduction in smoke in the coming days is anticipated.  On all sides of the fire, crews will continue to mop-up and patrol the line where it is safe to do so.                                                                                                                                                          Weather and Smoke Information:   High pressure will start to build over the area leading to dry conditions and gradually warming temperatures. Winds will remain generally upslope, up valley 3-6 miles per hour, with ridgetop winds north to northeast less than 10 miles per hour.  Winds by Friday will start to turn more northeast on ridges.  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.  Redding/Anderson may see USG conditions today with higher concentrations in the morning.  Red Bluff is expected to see Moderate conditions today.

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Impacts from the Gap Fire
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/06/16
Forecast
09/07/16
    Outlook
09/08/16
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
Unavailable
Moderate
Moderate
Smoke Monitor temporarily down. 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.
Redding/Anderson
USG
USG
Moderate
May see higher smoke levels in the morning.
Red Bluff
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
May see higher smoke levels in the morning.
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/