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Sept. 9 Air Quality Report for Gap Fire -- Klamath National Forest


Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 31,664 acres with a growth of 669 acres since yesterday and 85% contained.   This growth is all internal acres with no additional perimeter growth.  Only islands of unburned fuel within the containment lines continue to burn.  On all sides of the fire, crews are working on mop up and patrol of fire lines where safe to do so.  A reduction of smoke is expected as the last of the internal islands of unburned fuel get consumed. 
Weather and Smoke Information:   High pressure will lead to the hottest and driest days of the week today and Saturday.   Humidity values will drop into the teens over most of the valley locations.  Offshore flow will bring northeast to east winds overnight and early morning. Ridgetop winds will be east 4-7 miles per hour (mph) with gusts to 12 mph in the morning, then east 3-5 mph in the afternoon.  The North Coast area may see air quality degrade up to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) smoke levels in locations ranging from Klamath, Weitchpec, and Eureka continuing to the south.    Seiad, Fort Jones, Happy Camp, Orleans and Weitchpec are expected to see (USG) conditions today with elevated concentrations in the afternoon to early evening.  Redding/Anderson and Oak Knoll are expected to see Moderate conditions with possible elevated concentrations in the morning for Redding and afternoon/evening for Oak KnollGrants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Klamath Falls, Red Bluff, and Weed are expected to see Good conditions.  Yreka are expected to see Good conditions with expected elevated concentrations in the afternoon.

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Impacts from the Gap Fire
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/08/16
Forecast
09/09/16
    Outlook
09/10/16
Worst Time of Day Impacts
AQI and Period
Grants Pass
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Medford/ 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
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon and evening.
Seiad
USG
USG
USG
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Happy Camp
Unavailable
USG
USG
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning. Smoke monitor was set up yesterday.
Yreka
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Fort Jones
Unhealthy
USG
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the late afternoon and evening.
Orleans
Moderate
USG
USG
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Weitchpec
Moderate
USG
USG
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Weed
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Redding/Anderson
Moderate
Moderate
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Red Bluff
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations 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/