Wildfire Smoke Information & Alerts

The North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District and the Public Health Departments of Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity Counties would like to help you prepare in the event of wildfires. If a wildfire breaks out in your area, please be aware of the following information.

Current Information:

District-wide Public Service Announcement

Air Quality Alerts:

Air Quality Alerts are posted when the air in an area becomes unhealthy or hazardous. If you live in or plan to travel in an area that may be affected by wildfire smoke, check for alerts by calling 1-866-Burnday or 1-866-287-6329 and press 5. Air Quality Alerts are updated daily typically before 12 p.m.

What should you do to prepare?

If you have health concerns, are elderly, pregnant, or have a child in your care, consider talking with your doctor now about what to do if the air becomes smoky.

Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and distance to the fire. 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 young children, pregnant women, older adults and those with respiratory disease such as asthma and/or heart disease. If you or members of your family have lung or heart disease, contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms that get worse. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke.

If you are in a wildfire prone area, consider buying an air purifier to use in the event of smoky air. Some air cleaners can help reduce indoor pollutants if they are the right type and size for your home. Air cleaners with ozone generators are NOT appropriate for home use. The Air Resources Board recommends avoiding them. Ozone is a gas that can cause health problems including lung irritation and breathing difficulty.

For additional information, contact District Staff by calling (707) 443-3093.

Preparing for the Wildfire Season 2013

Informative Links