Yolo-Solano AQMD Issues Air Quality Warning
This Air Quality Warning is in effect through Thursday, September 24, 2023.
The Air Quality Warning for Yolo and northeastern Solano County was reissued today by the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District (YSAQMD) and the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency to notify residents of air quality conditions in the District. Smoke from multiple wildfires burning in northern California and Oregon is impacting air quality through the region. Current air quality levels are UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS in many parts of the District, including the cities of Davis, Dixon, Vacaville, Winters and Woodland.
Wind patterns persist, with north winds pushing significant smoke plumes down into the Bay Area and delta breezes creating a wraparound effect, pushing the accumulated smoke into the valley. Transport smoke has increased levels of particulate matter, which is a concern for residents health. Currently, the smoke event is forecasted to last through at least Sunday as weather is expected to change near the active fires.
“Air quality may be changing in a number of our communities, even those far away from the fires,” said Yolo County’s Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Limbos. “When the air quality is at unhealthy levels, residents should limit their exposure to smoke by reducing outdoor activity and staying indoors if possible. Those most at risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant persons, and people with pre-existing lung or heart conditions.”
If you see or smell smoke, you are breathing it. To reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke:
- Check air quality at fire.airnow.gov
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
- Limit or stop outdoor activity, especially exercise
- Do not run fans that bring smoky air inside – swamp cooler, whole house fan
- Run your air conditioner. If available, use the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting
- Do not smoke, vacuum, fry food, burn candles or do other things that will create indoor air pollution
- If you need to venture outside, make sure to wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask such as an N95, KN95, or KF94. Surgical masks do not provide sufficient protection against wildfire smoke.
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter
The Yolo-Solano AQMD is the air pollution control authority for Yolo County and the northeast portion of Solano County including Vacaville, Dixon and Rio Vista. For more information on the Yolo-Solano AQMD, including signing up for air quality alerts, visit www.ysaqmd.org. For more information about the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, including signing up for free air quality alerts, visit: www.ysaqmd.enviroflash.org. Connect with the District on Facebook or Twitter at YoloSolanoAir and on Nextdoor at Solano Air Quality Management District.
For a pdf version of this press release, click here.
