AM Update for August 28, 2020
Though air quality is improving, air monitors still urge caution as wildfires continue to burn.
(Photo courtesy Solano County Office of Emergency Services)
Air quality in the region is starting to improve after the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire came to Solano County last week. Though smoke may be moving out of the area, the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District warns air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups today and throughout this weekend as the wildfire continues burning north of Solano County.
Air quality monitors say smoke from wildfires settle at ground level between the evening and early morning hours, which is when the highest concentration of wildfire particulates are detected in the air.
The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District is the local agency in charge of issuing air quality alerts and other public notices for Yolo County and northeast Solano County. Connect with the agency on Facebook and Twitter to stay on top of local air quality notices. (Visit the Yolo-Solano AQMD website)
Fast Facts
371,249 acres burned
35 percent contained
2,670 firefighters, 38 crews assigned to fire
1,080 structures destroyed across six counties
More than 240 buildings impacted in Solano County
5 fatalities, 4 injuries confirmed
Public information line: 1-707-967-4207
Information accurate as of Friday, August 28 at 8:30 a.m. PDT
Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke can contain a mixture of ingredients, including noxious gases and burned materials from vegetation, building materials, organic material and other debris.
The Centers for Disease Control says breathing in wildfire smoke can have a number of adverse health effects, particularly in people who have sensitivities to air quality or pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or allergies. Side effects from breathing in wildfire smoke includes coughing, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, chest pains, headaches, fast heartbeat and drowsiness.
When wildfire smoke is at its worst, it’s best to stay indoors with the windows closed. When indoors, don’t burn candles, don’t vacuum floors or furniture and leave doors to the outside closed when possible.
If you have one available, an N95-rated mask can help prevent the inhalation of wildfire particulates when worn properly. Currently, N95 masks are in short supply due to the ongoing COVID-19 health pandemic.
Last, pay attention to air quality updates from local air monitors. In northeast Solano County, the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District monitors air quality and issues alerts when adverse air quality is detected or forecast.
Treating Tap Water After a Wildfire
Solano County officials have canceled a boil water advisory that was issued earlier in the week for some rural Vacaville and Fairfield residents. The advisory was issued due to the possibility of contaminants from the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire in some water supplies.
Though the water has been determined to be safe to drink, those who still have concerns — including residents who might be using well-based systems — are encouraged to continue treating water by boiling it.
To treat water through boiling, bring water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes. Water can be boiled for up to 10 minutes to ensure maximum treatment. Water can also be treated with two small drops of unscented household chlorine bleach. Water purification tablets, like these sold on Amazon, can also help treat water.
Water quality experts say residents who are concerned about contaminated tap water should not use it to make ice, brush teeth or wash dishes. (Read more)
Alert Solano
The Solano County Sheriff’s Department is requesting members of the community sign up for Alert Solano, a free service that offers real-time public safety alerts, including evacuation notices, severe weather, road closures/openings and other critical information. These alerts are delivered by phone call, text messages and/or email messages based on your preference. (Sign up here)
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LNU Solano is not affiliated with Solano County or any public safety agency. During times of crisis, always follow the direction of law enforcement and other public safety officials. Plan ahead for wildfires at www.readyforwildfire.org.