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Sept. 3 Air Quality Report for Gap Fire -- Klamath National Forest


Forecast conditions represent impacts from smoke.  Contributions from ozone and other pollutants are not reflected.
 
Fire Information:  Fire is approximately 20,876 and 14% contained.  The fire remained active overnight in the area along Highway 96 and the Klamath River. Firefighters successfully held it north of the highway. 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. They completed firing operations around the Mapleseden Ranch. On the northern edge of the fire, dozers continued to open old lines and to widen and clear brush from existing roads.   The priority today is to continue to hold the fire at the Klamath River, and to complete structure assessments and provide structure defense as necessary.                                                                                                                                                                   Weather and Smoke Information:  A few clouds developing in the mountains in the afternoon, however conditions will remain dry.  Transport winds are expected out of the northwest today and through the weekend.  Oak Knolls and Fort Jones are expected to see Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy levels of smoke, while Yreka may see USG levels with possible Unhealthy levels in the daytime.  Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Klamath Falls and Orleans are expected get a break from the smoke through the weekend and should see Good levels of smoke.  Seiad is expected to see Moderate levels of smoke with potential USG levels in the evening.
 
Smoke Impacts from Local Fires
Site
 Observed
Midnight-Midnight
09/02/16
Forecast
09/03/16
    Outlook
09/04/16
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
Very Unhealthy
Unhealthy
 Unhealthy
May see Very Unhealthy levels of smoke throughout the day.
Seiad
Good
Moderate
Moderate
May see USG smoke levels in the evening.
Yreka
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
USG
USG
May see Unhealthy smoke levels in the daytime.
Fort Jones
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
May see Very Unhealthy the afternoon through the evening.
Orleans
Good
Good
Good
May see hazy skies in the evening and overnight.
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
 

Prepared by: Ariane Sarzotti and Tomas Gonzalez

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