Wildfire Smoke Expected to Affect Sacramento County Through the Weekend, Residents Urged to Avoid Exposure

From Sacramento Air Quality District |

Due to fires burning in Northern California, Sacramento County will experience elevated particulate matter pollution levels, resulting in periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) and Unhealthy (red) AQI levels through the weekend. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and Sacramento County Public Health are advising residents to take precautions, avoid exposures, and outdoor activities if they smell smoke.

Tomorrow, the forecast in Sacramento County is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups due to smoke draining into the county from the Caldor Fire. Pollution levels will most likely be highest in the eastern portion of the county including Folsom. A northwesterly wind on Saturday will bring denser smoke from the Dixie fire into Sacramento County. This smoke will be widespread and likely reach Unhealthy levels. On Sunday, a delta breeze will gradually blow smoke out of the county. The forecast for Sunday and Monday is expected to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups before returning to Moderate (yellow) on Tuesday.

The Sac Metro Air District highly recommends the use of the US EPA AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map as this presents the most current and comprehensive information on wildfires, smoke and air quality. The map displays air quality readings from around the region from both regulatory air monitoring stations and crowd-sourced portable air quality sensors (Purple Air Sensors). The sensor data is corrected by the US EPA using widely accepted scientific methods so the air quality information displayed is as accurate as possible.

For more information, visit www.AirQuality.org and click on the “Wildfire Smoke Information” webpage where you will find helpful resources. You can review the 5-Step plan here to help you find the air quality levels, plan, and communication tools during these types of events. School Districts can also use the Air Quality Action Chart for recommended actions to take at different air quality levels.

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