Air quality in El Dorado County affected by Northern California fires

Air quality in El Dorado County is currently being impacted by smoke from wildfires burning in the State. County health officials are reminding residents to take precautions should wildfire smoke impact the areas in which they live, work and recreate. According to Air Pollution Control Officer Dave Johnston, wildfires can produce smoke that causes health problems, particularly for children, older people and those with heart disease or respiratory issues.

Johnston advises residents to limit outdoor activity if they see or smell smoke.

Specific precautions include the following:

• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Set the air conditioner in your home and car to re-circulating mode.
• Drink lots of water to keep airways moist.
• Healthy people should delay strenuous outdoor exercise until smoke has cleared.
• Children and older people should avoid outdoor activity, especially prolonged outdoor exercise.
• People with heart disease, respiratory or chronic health issues should stay indoors.
• Minimize the creation of indoor particulate matter (avoid cigarette smoking, grilling, vacuuming, burning candles and incense).

The air quality index is 54 as of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in South Lake Tahoe. The forecast for Thursday is 68, both numbers are in the "Moderate" zone. A level of 101 and above is "unhealthy." For the daily number, visit: https://weather.weatherbug.com/life/air-quality/south-lake-tahoe-ca-96150