Smoke from Northern California’s two major wildfires is expected to persist through mid-week. The Green Fire, which has burned 13,366 acres north of Shasta Lake and is currently 5 percent contained, and the uncontained Butler Fire, covering 8,156 acres along the Salmon River, are the primary sources of particulate matter in the air.
A west wind in the northern Sacramento Valley is forecasted to direct smoke towards northeastern Shasta County, Modoc County, and Lassen County. The Shasta County Air Quality Management District has advised residents to minimize outdoor activities if they detect smoke or see ash, noting that conditions may change rapidly due to wind shifts.
Fire crews are actively working on the Green Fire, utilizing helicopters, air tankers, and watercraft to manage spot fires on steep slopes. Meanwhile, firefighters on the Butler Fire are facing challenging conditions, including high temperatures and wind gusts of up to 25 mph, although structure-protection lines have remained intact for two consecutive days.
Air quality in areas near the fires is anticipated to range from “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Residents are recommended to keep windows closed, use air conditioning on recirculate mode, and stay updated with local alerts for the latest information.
