Smoke fills the Carson Valley; Air in 'very unhealthy' range

Smoke from the Washington Fire burning near Markleeville filled the Carson Valley early Tuesday morning. This photo taken from the Alert Tahoe camera atop McClellan Peak shows what people are waking up this morning.

Air quality is in the 'very unhealthy' range. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), at this level for healthy individuals (adults and children) at moderate exertion: 1) approximately 50% are estimated to experience moderate or greater lung function impairment, 2) approximately 20% are estimated to experience large or greater lung function impairments, and 3) approximately 10-15% are estimated to experience moderate to severe respiratory symptoms (i.e., chest pain with deep inspiration and aggravated cough). Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions will likely be more severely impacted than healthy individuals, leading some to increase medication usage and seek medical attention, including increased emergency room and clinic visits, and increased hospital admissions.

The fire remains at almost 15,000 acres burned and it is moving toward both Markleeville and Topaz Lake.

South Tahoe Now will be at the Fire Department briefing this morning and will bring yo the lastest once new information is release.