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Sept. 4 Air Quality Report for Gap Fire -- Klamath National Forest

 
 
Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 23,896 and 25% contained.  The fire continues to burn actively along Highway 96 and the Klamath River. Lower temperatures and higher humidity kept fire intensity low overnight.  Firefighters continued to hold the fire north of highway 96. The western and eastern flanks of the fire remained relatively quiet and crews continued work to secure the line to at least 200’ from the fire’s edge.   The priority today is to continue to hold the fire north of the Klamath River and continue to mop up and hold existing lines.  On the northern edge of the fire, dozers are completing the construction of lines and firing operations are taking place to reinforce control lines. Low intensity firing operations are planned to continue (as conditions permit).                                                                                                                                                              Weather and Smoke Information:   Northwest to north flow aloft will remain over the region through Sunday.  Little change in overall conditions are expected, lower temperatures and higher humidity are expected to continue through Sunday night.  Oak Knolls is expected to see Unhealthy for Sensitive Group (USG) conditions today with possible Unhealthy conditions in the afternoon.  Fort Jones is expected to see Unhealthy conditions.  Yreka is 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.  Orleans is expected to see Moderate levels of smoke. Seiad should see Unhealthy conditions with potential Very Unhealthy   levels in the afternoon.
 
Smoke Impacts from Local Fires
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/03/16
Forecast
09/04/16
    Outlook
09/05/16
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
May see Unhealthy levels of smoke in the afternoon.
Seiad
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
May see Very Unhealthy smoke levels in the afternoon.
Yreka
Good
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

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