UPDATE: Carmel Valley air quality reaches unhealthy levels

UPDATE 7/26/2016 5:15 PM: Smoke from the Soberanes Fire is producing unhealthy air quality on the Central Coast.

The Monterey Bay Air Resources District reports that fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5, has pushed the Air Quality Index in Carmel Valley into the “unhealthy” category. Other areas near the fire may also experience fine particulate levels in unhealthful concentrations.

Officials urge residents to avoid exercise or physical exertion and remain indoors with windows and doors closed.

Anyone who feels physically challenged by the elevated concentration of smoke should consider moving out of the area until the air quality improves. Anyone with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD or heart disease should consider consulting their doctor for medical advice.

The Air Resources District tracks real time air quality. Information on current air quality and forecasts are available at http://mbard.org/air-quality/.

The District will issue further advisories as needed, as conditions are subject to change depending on wind and fire activity.

For more information about the health effects of wildfire smoke, visit the EPA website at: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=smoke.index.

UPDATE: 7/25/2016 6:11 PM: An orange haze is filling the sky in communities around Monterey Bay. Carmel’s Phil Coniglio says he lost his sense of smell years ago but that doesn’t mean he’s not aware of the smoke from the Soberanes Wildfire.

“I think most people would be concerned about any major fire burning in their backyard,” said Coniglio.

People from Carmel Valley, to Hollister, to Salinas reported smelling smoke from the wildfire.

One person monitoring all that smoke and air quality is David Frisbey with the Monterey Bay Air Resources District.

“It all depends on the situation,” said Frisbey. “Currently there’s a wildfire in the area and we want to make sure everyone has enough information to make the right decision.”

With the smoke raising air quality concerns, Frisbey wants people to be aware, but says only those with breathing problems should be concerned. That includes the elderly, young children, and anyone with asthma.

“Really try to reduce the amount they exert themselves, reduce exercise, and try to stay indoors as much as possible until the smoke dissipates,” said Frisbey.

According to Frisbey, some side effects include coughing and minor lung irritation.

UPDATE: 7/25/2016 1:55 PM: KION Meteorologist Steve Fundaro has been monitoring the effects that smoke from the Soberanes Fire is having on Central Coast air quality. People as far north as San Jose have reported seeing and smelling smoke in the air. Tonight at 5 and 6, he will have tips to help you minimize the health threats associated with the airborne smoke. He also says weather changes may improve the situation for many.

PREVIOUS POST: As the Soberanes wildfire continues to burn north of Big Sur, the Monterey Bay Air Resources District has issued an air quality advisory.

The District says winds could push smoke from the fire toward Carmel Valley and Monterey Peninsula and south to Big Sur during the day.

While much of the smoke is drifting upward, the lowest layer could degrade air quality in those areas, according to the Air Resources District, which also issued these guidelines:

–Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it’s probably not a good time to go for a run. And it’s probably not a good time for your children to play outdoors.

–If you have a heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, consider staying indoors to avoid breathing the smoke particles. You may want to check with your health care provider to make sure it’s not necessary for you to leave the area.

–Help lower inside particle levels inside your home. When smoke levels are high, avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves – even candles. Don’t vacuum as that stirs up particles already inside your home. And don’t smoke. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you.

Health Effects of Smoke: Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. These fine particles are especially harmful to the very young, very old, and to people with heart and lung disease.