SALINAS VALLEY — Smoke from nearby wildfires has degraded air quality throughout the Salinas Valley, reaching unhealthy levels for residents in the area.
According to the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, which monitors air quality for the region, communities in the Salinas Valley — including King City, Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales — may experience moderate to hazardous conditions due to smoke impacts. The district said these conditions could last for a couple weeks.
“Air quality will be variable and unpredictable as conditions change depending on wind and fire activity,” said Richard A. Stedman, air pollution control officer, in an Aug. 18 advisory. “The Air District will continue to follow the situation and issue advisories when appropriate.”
The River Fire, located off Pine Canyon and River roads south of Salinas, has doubled in size overnight, burning more than 33,653 acres and destroying six buildings as of Thursday. Another 2,750 structures are being threatened by the wildfire, which is currently 7% contained.
“Fire continues to actively burn in all directions. Progression to the north impacted homes in the outlying communities of Salinas. The fire is making slope-driven runs,” Cal Fire said Thursday in its latest incident update. “Firefighters continued their aggressive attack on the fire from the ground and the air. High temperatures, low humidity, topography-influenced winds, steep mountainous terrain and difficult access continue to hamper firefighting efforts.”
The Carmel Fire, which is less than 2 miles away from the River Fire, has burned 4,285 acres and is 0% contained as of Thursday. Three structures have been destroyed and another 311 are being threatened, including residential and commercial buildings.
More than 9,000 residents have been evacuated, Cal Fire said.
The concentration of smoke from both fires has reached levels of the Air Quality Index that are “moderate” or “unhealthy” in some areas of the region. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging residents in fire-stricken regions and surrounding areas to be aware of poor air quality and the effect it can have on their health.
“Smoke doesn’t know borders or boundaries, and regions that are miles away from fires can have poor air quality,” said Acting CDPH Director Sandra Shewry in a news release. “We urge Californians to stay indoors as much as possible when air quality is poor. This is especially critical for children, women who are pregnant, older adults, and people with existing lung and heart conditions who may be particularly sensitive to changes in air quality.”
While cloth face coverings offer protection against Covid-19, they do not provide protection against smoke particles, CDPH said. Anyone who must be outdoors for long periods in areas with heavy smoke and ash should consider wearing an N95 respirator mask, health officials suggest.
