Wildfires In Western Oregon Impact Stockton Air Quality: What You Need To Know

As wildfire season intensifies in Western Oregon, Stockton and the entire Central Valley have begun experiencing deteriorating air quality. Lightning strikes last week ignited around 50 new wildfires in the region, and some have developed into substantial blazes affecting air quality as far east as Chicago.
On Wednesday morning, Stockton's air quality index (AQI) stood at 164, a level considered "unhealthy for everyone," according to an IQAir report. The concentration of Particulate Matter 2.5 is currently 16 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual air quality guideline value.

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District officials issued an advisory stating, "If you can smell smoke and see ash, that is an indication that you are being affected by poor air quality."

The National Weather Service warned that although air conditions might briefly improve Wednesday afternoon, the haze and smoke are expected to return overnight and continue through Thursday, if not longer.

Status of Fires
Firefighters have made some progress on the fires, with the Cottonwood Fire in Oregon entering the mop-up phase after burning through 4,000 acres. Lightning is believed to have ignited this blaze. The Dry Creek Complex fire in Tulare County is still under control but continues to send smoke into the Valley air. Other fires, including the Lost and Smith River fires, the Deep Fire, and the Klamath National Forest Lightning Complex, continue to pose a challenge for firefighters.

Health Advisory
Residents are urged to take precautions to minimize health risks caused by poor air quality. Breathing in elevated levels of PM 2.5 can exacerbate conditions like heart disease and asthma. The following steps are advised:

Check daily air pollution forecasts for your area.
Avoid outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high.
Reduce energy usage at home to minimize air pollution.
Encourage schools to minimize exposure to school bus emissions.
Avoid burning wood or trash.
Wear masks and use air filters to protect indoor air quality.
As students, these conditions affect not only our health but also our ability to focus on academics. It's crucial to stay updated and take preventative measures seriously. Stay safe, Stockton.