LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Air Quality Management District is urging community members to be aware of air conditions through Sunday that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups due to a fire in Napa County.

Current air monitor readings throughout Lake County range from “good” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” the district reported.

The Pickett fire in Napa County East of Calistoga currently is causing the regional smoke impacts throughout Lake County. 

All areas of Lake County may experience “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” air quality through the weekend, the district reported.

Areas at higher elevations may experience more severe smoke impacts. The district said to expect fluctuating periods of poorer air quality as the occasional wind gust pushes smoke into Lake County. This smoke forecast is based on the latest weather, monitoring, fire activity information and will be updated as necessary. 

The district is actively monitoring the smoke impacts throughout the county. Additionally, go to www.lcaqmd.net and follow the Quick Links for Air Monitoring for current smoke and air quality conditions.

Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, elevation and time of day. 

Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke 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. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.

Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:

• Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise.
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems.
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors.  
• Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting on the unit.
• Do not smoke, fry food or do other things that will create indoor air pollution.

If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.

Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.

Localized areas of unhealthy air quality are possible throughout this fire season. Take appropriate measures whenever smoke is present.