Operational Area Partners,
There is very large and thick smoke in Mendocino County due to a large fire in Butte County, the Camp Fire. The extremely thick and visible smoke is due to this fire and not from a fire in Mendocino County. Mendocino County residents and visitors can check the air quality for Mendocino County at the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District's website at http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/aqmd/ if they have concerns regarding air quality.
Please communicate this within your organizations and to your residents. Public Safety Answering Points (911 Call Centers) have been receiving a large number of calls regarding the smoke which has impacted operations. Mendocino County OES sent a county-wide Nixle Alert at the request of CALFIRE Mendocino Unit letting them know that the smoke is due to a fire outside of the county. You can find the Nixle Alert here: http://nixle.com/AJ3ze
The last official update from CALFIRE from 9:23 am this morning had the Camp Fire at 5,000 acres. The CALFIRE incident page can be found at http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2277. Butte County Sheriff's Office is putting out information regarding evacuations live to their twitter at https://twitter.com/ButteSheriff.
Please let OES know if you have any questions or concerns,
Rick Ehlert, MPA
PS. There is a small fire burning in Northern Mendocino County. I wanted to make you aware since there is heightened concerns regarding the Camp Fire in Butte County. As of this report the fire is 20 acres and 25% contained. This fire is in no way related to the heavy smoke seen in inland Mendocino due to the Camp Fire.
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AIR QUALITY ADVISORY
For Mendocino County
Thursday November 8, 2018, 12:30 PM
The smoke and haze currently degrading the air quality and reducing visibility in inland areas of Mendocino County are primarily the result of the Camp Fire in Butte County. Currently air monitors show particulate matter concentrations in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’' range and approaching “Unhealthy” in inland Mendocino County. Other areas of Mendocino County are forecast to have periods of “Moderate” conditions depending on the wind. These conditions are expected to impact the County through tomorrow and intermittently until the fires are out. Some relief is currently predicted Saturday.
Smoke in heavy concentrations can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults. These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. When air conditions are 'Unhealthy,' everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion activities outdoors.
Persons experiencing any of the following symptoms should contact a health care provider: headache; repeated coughing; chest tightness or pain; difficulty in breathing; or nausea.
New fire activity, wind directions and wind speeds can change at any time. It is advised to be prepared and stay informed. Impacts to the air quality will be most noticeable in the evening to early morning hours.
Mendocino County Air Quality Management District has particulate monitors running continuously measuring our air quality. These monitors report particulate matter concentrations hourly to the air District’s website. To get the latest air quality information for Mendocino County visit: www.mendoair.org or airnow.gov.
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