Fires in Tulare and Fresno counties impact air quality

FRESNO
September 25, 2008 12:05am

Smoke from the “Hidden fire” in Tulare County and the “Tehipite fire” in Fresno County is expected to elevate particulate matter in foothill and mountain communities in four counties, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District says.

The smoke may impact portions of Madera, Fresno, Tulare and Kern counties at one time or another over the next several days.

“We are advising people in these areas to monitor their local air quality and take precautions as necessary,” says Shawn Ferreria, senior air quality specialist for the district.

Smoke produces particulate matter, or PM, which can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. In people with heart disease, short-term exposure to particle pollution has been linked to heart attacks and arrhythmias, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Residents in affected areas are advised to use caution. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality.

Older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion, the air district says.

The Valley Air District covers eight counties in the overall Central Valley -- San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the Valley air basin portions of Kern.