The ongoing Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest, Fresno County, along with several new wildfires sparked by lightning strikes across multiple counties on Sept. 2, produced smoke that has affected air quality throughout the region.

With wildfire season in effect, San Joaquin County Air Pollution Control District officials note that the district will issue an Air Quality Alert with the National Weather Service when warranted due to fire and smoke impacts in the Central Valley. When issued, residents impacted by the smoke are advised to stay indoors to minimize exposure to particulate matter (PM) emissions. The potential for increased ozone and PM2.5 exists until the fires are extinguished.

District officials strongly urge the public to take health-protective actions to stay safe when smoke from wildfires affects the Valley, including following air-quality recommendations when making decisions about outdoor activities. Additional health-protective actions include:

Planning ahead and creating a clean air room;

Staying indoors;

Using portable air cleaners or high-efficiency filters to remove fine particles from the air;

Visiting a Clean Air Center.

Similar to the Valley’s cooling centers that are put into service during prolonged summer heat waves, the District’s Clean Air Centers provide relief when wildfires and smoke events occur.

Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter (PM) and ozone precursor emissions, which can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Those with existing respiratory conditions are especially susceptible to the adverse health effects of this form of pollution. Anyone experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke should move indoors to a filtered, air-conditioned environment with windows closed and contact their primary care provider for more information.

The public can check the District’s Wildfire Prevention and Response page at www.valleyair.org/wildfires for information about any wildfires affecting the Valley. In addition, anyone can follow air quality conditions by downloading the free “Valley Air” app on their mobile device or by visiting the EPA Fire and Smoke Map.

The Valley Air District covers eight counties including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and San Joaquin Valley air basin portions of Kern.

For more information about the Valley Air District, visit www.valleyair.org or call the regional office in Modesto at 209-557-6400.