Wildfire Smoke Advisory

Published on August 09, 2024

WILDFIRE SMOKE ADVISORY

(PLACERVILLE, CA) – Air quality in El Dorado County is intermittently impacted by smoke from wildfires in the region and state. County health officials are reminding residents to take precautions if wildfire smoke affects areas where they live, work and recreate.

“Wildfires produce smoke that can cause health problems, particularly for children, older adults, and those with heart disease or respiratory issues. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and exposure if they see or smell smoke, and to utilize available online tools and information to monitor air quality,” said Dr. Matthew Minson, El Dorado County Public Health Officer.

Recommended ways to reduce your smoke exposure include:

• Stay inside with the windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Take activities indoors and delay strenuous outdoor exercise until smoke has cleared.
• Children, pregnant women, and older adults should avoid outdoor activity, especially prolonged outdoor exercise.
• People with heart disease, respiratory or chronic health issues should stay indoors.
• Leave smoke impacted areas until conditions improve, if possible.
• Stay hydrated; drink lots of water to keep airways moist.
• Minimize the creation of indoor particulate matter (avoid cigarette smoking, grilling, vacuuming, burning candles and incense).
• Set the air conditioners in your home and car to re-circulating mode.
• Consider creating a 'clean room' at home with an indoor air purifier.
• Visit one of the Clean Air Centers for a respite from the smoke.
• Limit pets' outdoor activities.

While non-HEPA masks may help reduce the spread of viruses, they do not filter out fine particulates in wildfire smoke.  Information on masks and smoke can be viewed here. 

During this fire season, El Dorado County may continue to be intermittently impacted by wildfire smoke. Smoke conditions can change quickly and vary greatly in El Dorado County because of the terrain, wind direction and weather. Anyone experiencing serious symptoms due to smoke should contact a health professional.

Additional Resources:

• Clean Air Centers - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/cleanaircenters
• Air Quality Information – https://www.airnow.gov
• AQMD Website - https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Land-Use/Air-Quality-Management-District
• Purple Air Sensors Across the County for Real-Time Air Quality Data - https://map.purpleair.com/
• AQMD wildfire webpage

Air Quality Index (AQI)

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