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Sept. 12 Air Quality Report for Gap Fire -- Klamath National Forest

Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 32,324 acres with no growth since yesterday and 85% contained.   No additional perimeter fire growth occurred; growth is all interior acres within the control lines.  Islands of unburned fuel within the perimeter will 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, along with pulling hose and equipment no longer needed on the fire line.  A reduction of smoke is expected as the interior islands of unburned fuel get consumed.                                                                
Weather and Smoke Information:   A red flag warning this afternoon and evening for gusty northeast winds and low relative humidity.  An area of low pressure will move south through northern California Monday resulting in increased northeast winds 12-20 mph with gusts up to 30 miles per hour (mph).   Temperatures will be slightly cooler than yesterday, 77-83 degrees with humidity values at 10-18% in the valleys.  Ridgetop winds will be northeast 12-18 mph gusts 25-30 mph.  Oak Knoll, Seiad, Happy Camp, Orleans, Weitchpec, Hoopa, and Redding/Anderson are expected to see Moderate conditions with possible elevated concentrations in the afternoon and evening with the exception of Redding/Anderson, Seiad and Happy Camp where the concentrations are highest in the morning.  Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Klamath Falls, Yreka, Fort Jones, Weed and Red Bluff are expected to see Good conditions.

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Impacts from the Gap Fire
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/11/16
Forecast
09/12/16
    Outlook
09/13/16
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
Good
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Happy Camp
Good
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Yreka
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Fort Jones
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the late afternoon and evening.
Orleans
Good
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Weitchpec
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Hoopa
Unavailable
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Weed
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
Redding/Anderson
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Red Bluff
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies.
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/