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District Issues Health Caution Due to Gusty Winds and Continuing Wildfires

Mountain Communities – Smoke impacts from wildfires in northern California and in Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties will continue as winds bring smoke into the San Joaquin Valley. The health caution will remain in effect for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern Counties until the fires are extinguished or until smoke is no longer affecting the Valley. The District has also issued an Air Quality Alert with the National Weather Service due to wildfire smoke impacts on Valley air quality. In addition, winds from the northwest may cause localized blowing dust Tuesday through Wednesday in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, and the western portion of the Valley including Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Kern Counties. The District warns residents being impacted by smoke or dust to stay indoors to reduce their exposure to particulate matter (PM) emissions.

Particulate matter can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Individuals with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of PM exposure. Those with existing respiratory conditions, including COVID-19, young children and the elderly, are especially susceptible to the health effects from this form of pollution. Anyone experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke should move to a filtered, air-conditioned environment with windows closed. Common cloth and paper masks being used as protection from COVID-19 may not be sufficient protection from wildfire smoke inhalation.

The public is advised to visit the District’s Wildfire Information Page at www.valleyair.org/wildfires for details on current and recently past wildfires affecting the Valley. The site includes resources on how to protect yourself from exposure to wildfire smoke, including instructions on how to make a DIY air filter for your home, links to foothill air monitors and the District’s Real-time Air Advisory Network (RAAN), allowing residents to track air quality at any Valley location. You can visit RAAN directly at myRAAN.com or use the “Valley Air” app, free to download on any mobile device.  In addition, see the EPA’s recommendations on “What Can I Do Now to Protect My Family from Wildfire Smoke?”

For more information, visit www.valleyair.org or call a District office in Fresno (559-230-6000), Modesto (209-557-6400) or Bakersfield (661-392-5500.)

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