2018 Fire and Smoke Impact Reports

[maverick]

NWS:

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert on August 24, 2018, due to smoke impacts from surrounding wildfires for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and valley portion of Kern Counties.

This Air Quality Alert is in effect until the fires are extinguished.

Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections.

Residents are advised to use caution as conditions warrant. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor`s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality.

Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion, as conditions dictate.

[levi]

Hiked from Wolverton TH to Pear Lake, and spent two nights (8/24 and 8/25) there. On 8/25, hiked to the little lake at 11,200' above Big Bird Lake via Tablelands. The days were consistently clear (and beautiful!) up until around 3 or 4pm, at which point dense haze rolled up from the Central Valley and enveloped our surroundings. No smoke smell, no impact on our breathing, but very hazy. The haze seemed to dissipate within a few hours after sunset, allowing us to enjoy the full moon. On the drive back to the Bay Area today (8/26), Fresno was very hazy, Manteca partially so, and Altamont Pass was clear.

[paula53]

i just returned from a 3 day backpack to Glen Aulin. Clear skies and fresh air. No haze or smoke. The lows were in the 38- 39 degree range and the highs were between 69 and 72 degrees. Perfect conditions, with a light breeze in the afternoon. Few hikers on the trail, and I had the campground to myself on Friday. Very peaceful in the waterfall wonderland. I did encounter thick smoke near the California side of Topaz Lake going back home.

[edhyatt]

Mammoth to Bishop: finished today. No smoke, sparkling skies, fantastic moon.

[Cycleboy]

edhyatt, you aren’t by chance the guy who was at the Bishop Vons gas looking for a ride to Mammoth?

Anyway, report for Sabrina Basin 8/20 air was beautiful. We could see it darker down near Bishop. Was great the 3 days we were there. 8/23 in Mammoth, clear air but smell of smoke.

[edhyatt]

No. Still in Bishop, thinking about heading to Mammoth tomorrow.

[maverick]

From SEKI Fire Information Officer:

The fire is currently 164 acres and 95% contained. Firefighters are providing trail escorts as conditions allow. There may be delays for their hikes due to firefighting efforts or for safety.
We are doing everything we can so we don't have to do a hard closure of the trail, especially with the weekend coming up.

[maverick]

Inciweb:

The Sierra National Forest responded to reports of two separate roadside fires, one about 1/4 mile north of the Redinger Lake overlook, and a second near Campers Corner about 1/2 mile northeast of the first fire on Castle Peak.

Both fires are burning on the north side of the road, in grass, brush, oak, and with potential to enter timber located in the tree mortality zone. The Castle Fire has handline and a hose lay around it. Combined the Redinger Fire and Castle Fires are estimated to be 200 acres as of 8:00 this morning with approximately 0 percent containment.

Sierra National Forest has requested assistance from CAL FIRE, and Madera County. There are currently 13 engines, 4 crews, 3 water tenders and 2 dozers working the incident, with additional resources being ordered. Air Attack arrived overhead just before 8 a.m., with 2 air tankers and helicopters enroute.

Updates will be provided as more information is received and or the current situation changes.

[maverick]

USFS:

[maverick]

Sierra NF: