Sonoma County issues health advisory due to poor air quality caused by the Feliz Fire in Mendocino County

En español »

The Sonoma County Health Officer today issued the following health advisory:

Areas of northern Sonoma County may experience "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" or "Unhealthy" air quality caused by the wildfire event in Mendocino County near Hopland. Certain people may experience adverse health effects from the smoke over Sonoma County and across the region. High temperatures can worsen effects of high Air Quality Index (AQI) events. Below are some things you can do when the air quality is poor.

Who are at risk

• Older adults, pregnant people, children and individuals with heart or lung conditions are particularly susceptible to air pollution and should take extra precautions.

Keep yourself and others safe

• Check on neighbors, family members and those who may need help.
• If you are not in an evacuation zone, stay indoors with windows and doors closed if you can stay safely cool.
• Use a portable HEPA air cleaner if available. Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to recirculate to keep outside air from moving inside.  
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you must be outside, use a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask. People with heart or lung conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using one.
• Watch for symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, scratchy throat or unusual fatigue. If symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day to help your body manage smoke exposure.
• Avoid activities that worsen air quality, such as smoking, wood burning, lawn mowing, driving, barbecuing, painting or other dust-producing activities. If possible, use a stove vent when cooking.
• Keep pets indoors when possible. Check on farm animals and ensure they have plenty of clean fresh water.

Check these air quality monitoring (AQI) resources to learn what the air quality is in the parts of the county in which you live and work:

• Purple Air: https://map.purpleair.com
• NSCAPCD: https://nosocoair.org/
• BAAQMD: https://www.baaqmd.gov/
• EPA: https://www.airnow.gov/

CAL/OSHA provides and regulates guidelines to protect workers from wildfire smoke. For more information, visit: 
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/doshreg/Protection-from-Wildfire-Smoke/Wildfire-smoke-emergency-standard.html.

When checking the AQI, please note that federal-certified monitors at EPA’s AirNow Fires site are most accurate, but have an update lag of two to three hours.

Note that Sonoma County is a large county and the air quality will fluctuate in different parts of it due to a number of factors. It’s important to keep track of the air quality in your region and to take steps if it worsens.

# # #

Media Contact:
Sheri Cardo, DHS Communications Specialist
Sheri.Cardo@sonomacounty.gov
(707) 565-8619