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Sept. 14 Air Quality Report for Gap Fire -- Klamath National Forest


Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 33,867 acres and 95% contained.   No additional perimeter fire growth occurred. The last two days had red flag warnings issued for strong gusty winds, those days were a good test to the fire and no significant fire activity occurred.   Islands of unburned fuel within the perimeter will continue to burn however it appears fire activity has been reduced to smoldering.  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.  Suppression repair is also progressing along contingency lines and where needed.  Yesterday only small smoke columns were observed with a haze seen across the fire.                                                                                                                                                         Weather and Smoke Information:   No red flags have been issued for today.  Winds will be out of the northwest but will not be as strong as they were yesterday.  Ridgetops winds will range from 3-6 miles per hour (mph) in the morning then increase to 5-10 mph with gust up to 15 mph in the afternoon.  Temperatures will be 79-83 degrees with humidity values at 12-18% in the valleys.  Smoke production has been significantly reduced over the last few days.  All locations are expected to see Good conditions with the exception of Anderson/ Redding where Moderate conditions have been observed.

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Impacts from the Gap Fire
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/13/16
Forecast
09/14/16
    Outlook
09/15/16
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
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon and evening.
Seiad
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the morning.
Happy Camp
Good
Good
Good
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
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Weitchpec
Good
Good
Good
Expect elevated concentrations in the afternoon.
Hoopa
Unavailable
Good
Good
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/