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Bald Sisters Fire Air Quality Update for 9/23/2014

Bald Sisters Fire  Air Quality Update for 9/23/2014  by  Dan Chan

Yesterday:
Air quality monitor at John Day measured “Moderate” amount of smoke yesterday while Baker City measured “Good”air quality yesterday.  The fire growth yesterday was limited by showers of up to 0.59” at the fire.  However, only 0.15” was at John Day and this was not enough to scour the smoke in the air. 

Today:
Limited fire growth is expected for today due to rain overnight.  This will limit smoke production from the fire.  Southerly wind is expected for today.  In the evening, smoke is likely to settle in drainages and valleys north of the fire.  This may bring elevated smoke to Unity and Baker City. 

Tomorrow: 
Southerly wind is expected during the day, but is expected to turn Northerly in the evening.  This should keep smoke close to the fire and should have limited impacts to the nearby communities including John Day, Prairie City, Unity and Baker City.    

Air Quality Outlook (Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter)
Site
Yesterday
Sept 22, 2014
Today
Sept 23, 2014
Tomorrow
Sep 24, 2014
John Day
Moderate
Good
Good
Baker City
Good
Good
Good

Category
Meaning
Actions to Protect Yourself
Good
Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no health risk.
None.
Moderate
Air Quality is acceptable for most. There may be moderate health concern for a small number of sensitive people.
Unusually Sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor recreation.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups(USG)
Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly.
People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults should avoid all physical outdoor activity. 
Unhealthy
Increasing aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in general population.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy
Increasing aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in general population.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous
Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; significant increase in respiratory effects in general population.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.