Wildfires bring smoke to air basin

Several wildfires burning in the Sierra Nevada are bringing smoke impacts to the Valley air basin and local air officials expect this pattern to continue through the weekend.

The French fire is sending smoke to mountain communities in Merced, Madera, Fresno and Tulare counties; however, wind shifts may bring smoke from the El Portal, Dark Hole and Sand fires to other parts of the air basin, including the Valley floor.

Smoke from wildfires contains particulates and ozone precursors. Residents are urged to be aware of their local conditions. People with existing respiratory conditions, young children and elderly people are especially susceptible to health effects from these pollutants. Air District officials urge residents to follow their doctors orders when exposed to wildfire emissions.

Residents can check the District's wildfire page --- http://valleyair.org/wildfires --- for information about any current wildfires and whether they are impacting the Valley. The District also provides the Real-time Air Advisory Network (RAAN), an automated reporting system that delivers data directly to userscomputers. It's free and easy to subscribe! Visit http://valleyair.org/RAAN for complete instructions.

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