LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Air Quality Management District has issued another air quality alert in response to the Scotts Fire, reporting the potential for worsening conditions on Monday.

Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart said the fire, estimated to be 3,200 acres on Sunday morning, was expected to result in “unhealthy” air quality through much of Lake County on Monday, with the potential for “hazardous” conditions if forecasts for increased winds were accurate.

Smoke and haze from the fire was visible through many parts of the air basin on Sunday.

Gearhart said Blue Lakes, Upper Lake and portions of Scotts Valley were experiencing unhealthy air quality throughout Sunday due to high levels of particulate. He said ozone levels were elevated but had not exceeded state health-based air quality standards.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Lake County for Sunday afternoon and evening for gusty winds and low humidity.

Gearhart said wind forecasts for Sunday night and Monday include periods of north and northwest winds, which – mixed with smoke from the Scotts Fire – have the potential to significantly degrade air quality.

Smoke from wildfires contains harmful chemicals that can affect health, the district reported. Smoky conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages. These conditions can be hazardous to everyone and your pets.

People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include young children, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions and those with chronic lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions, according to the district.

Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory disease or heart disease should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity, the district advised. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke.

The district urged people to seek medical help if they have symptoms that worsen or become severe.

County residents are urged to take precautions and plan ahead as smoke conditions can change quickly.