Press Release - Update on Health Advisory Regarding Wildfire Smoke

Update on Health Advisory Regarding Wildfire Smoke: Press Release - El Dorado County Public Health Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT:
June 26, 2007 10:00 a.m.	Kristine Oase
	(530) 621-6172

Update on Health Advisory Regarding Wildfire Smoke
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Smoke from the Angora fire near South Lake Tahoe again reached hazardous levels this morning in populated areas bordering the fire, prompting local health officials to continue the health advisory issued yesterday.

“Dense smoke near ground levels this morning poses a significant risk for people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions, as well as the elderly,” said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, El Dorado County Health Officer. He noted that the build-up of smoke during the morning hours had resulted from the trapping of cold stagnant air by a temperature inversion.

Portable air monitors placed in the South Lake Tahoe neighborhood directly east of the fire by the California Air Resources Board showed hazardous levels of fine particles this morning. As a result of the readings, Dr. Eberhart-Phillips extended the recommendation that all outdoor gatherings and sporting events in and around the City of South Lake Tahoe be cancelled. He also asked that non-essential businesses in the “Y” area of South Lake Tahoe suspend operations while dense smoke hangs over the area.

Weather forecasts for the rest of the day predict changeable smoke conditions in the South Lake Tahoe Basin and other parts of El Dorado County. Dr Eberhart-Phillips said that residents should remain vigilant and take precautions when smoke is present.

He encourages residents who see or smell smoke to take these precautionary measures:

• Healthy people should delay strenuous exercise, particularly when they can smell smoke.
• Children and elderly people should consider avoiding outdoor activities, particularly prolonged outdoor exertion. Parents of children involved in youth sports programs should consider whether their children be allowed to participate when smoke is in the air.
• People with health-related illnesses, particularly respiratory problems, should remain indoors.
• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.
• Avoid the use of non-HEPA paper face mask filters which are not capable of filtering extra fine particles.
• Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness.
• Avoid the fire areas.

Symptoms of smoke exposure may include, but are not limited to, coughing, watery and itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms may be of varying degrees, but it is the more sensitive individuals, such as the young, aged and those with respiratory conditions who are at greatest risk of experiencing more aggravated symptoms. Persons experiencing questionable or severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice and treatment. “Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue,” said Dr. Eberhart-Phillips.

County officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates on this advisory as needed. For the most current status reports on the fire, please contact Cal Fire at their public information line – (530) 647-5218 or visit www.inciweb.org/incident/725/.