Yolo-Solano AQMD Issues Air Quality Warning
This Air Quality Warning is in effect through Thursday, September 21, 2023. Yolo-Solano AQMD will issue an update as additional information becomes available.
(DAVIS, CA) – Today, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District (YSAQMD) and the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency are issuing an Air Quality Warning for Yolo and northeastern Solano County to notify residents of air quality conditions in the District. Transport 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.
Winds throughout the day are pushing offshore smoke inland, causing hazy skies and increased levels of particulate matter, which is an air quality concern for residents. This smoke event is forecasted to last throughout Thursday and possibly longer. If you see or smell smoke in the air, you are breathing it. Everyone should take precautions to limit their exposure to smoke and soot, especially children, older adults, pregnant women and people who have heart or lung issue.
“Breathing smoke can irritate eyes and lungs, and can aggravate serious health conditions such as asthma and heart and lung problems,” said Yolo County’s Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Limbos. “You may notice symptoms like coughing and headaches, and even trouble breathing. In addition to limiting outdoor activity and staying indoors, if possible, check-in on others who may be more susceptible to the health impacts of wildfire smoke. Seek immediate medical care if someone is experiencing chest pain, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.”
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.
