Air quality in Sacramento region reaches unhealthy levels as wildfire smoke fills sky

The Sacramento region sky is once again filled with smoke from California’s wildfires, causing potentially hazardous conditions.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District reported an air quality index level of 152 around noon on Sunday for the region, just hitting levels classified as unhealthy for everyone.

Woodland was one of the smokiest areas, reading an AQI level of 193, according to the regional air monitor.

The National Weather Service’s Sacramento office said in a weather forecast that “smoke and haze from wildfires will continue to impact air quality and temperatures.”

Though the nearest wildfires burning are quite large, firefighters have managed to mostly contain them.

The LNU Lightning Complex is likely to blame for Woodland’s highly hazardous air quality. The 375,000-acre blaze has burned through Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. The fire was started by lightning strikes Aug. 17 and is now 89% contained. All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Sunday. Five people were killed last month in the fire complex, one of whom was a troubleman with Pacific Gas and Electric. Nearly 1,500 buildings have been burned down. Cal Fire said in a morning update the fire “experienced limited growth” over Saturday night.

The Creek Fire, which started Friday northeast of Fresno, has also been kicking up large plumes of smoke. As of Sunday morning it was 45,500 acres and completely uncontained. Several evacuation orders are in place for Fresno County communities and more are expected as the fire continues to spread.

The return of troublesome Sacramento region air quality comes amid a heat wave, according to the National Weather Service. From Sunday through Tuesday, temperatures in the Valley could reach 114 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows of just 85 degrees. Sierra Nevada communities won’t get much respite, as temperatures could reach 105 degrees.

The Sacramento-area air quality monitor predicted less smoke in the air Monday, with an estimated AQI of 124, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups who may be more at risk of respiratory issues. The air quality management district warned that people with respiratory medical conditions, such as lung disease or asthma, should avoid outdoor activity Sunday. All adults, and children especially, should reduce time spent outdoors while the air quality is poor.

This story was originally published September 6, 2020 at 12:45 PM.