The air quality in Fresno is expected to worsen today as smoke from fires in Fresno County drifts over the city.
The Garnet Fire began 11 days ago, burning over 30,000 acres of land in eastern Fresno County. With this haze blanketing the Central Valley, health officials anticipate a rise in air pollution with a forecast change from “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy” in one day, especially due to fine matter that can affect anyone exposed.
Over 6,500 wildfires have been reported in California since the start of the year. In total, the fires have scorched over 425,000 acres of land. Many of the fires, like the nearly-contained Gifford Fire in Santa Barbara County, are fueled by the lack of water, extreme heat and dry conditions. Many researchers say that climate change has been a key factor in these growing fire risks.
Lightning storms, like the one that ignited the Garnet Fire, have only added to the risk, resulting in billows of smoke drifting into the Valley.
Dr. Robert Mitchell, medical director at the Fresno State Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC), said that it is important to limit time spent outdoors on days with unhealthy air quality.
“If you have a chronic breathing condition like asthma, please take your prescribed medications as directed,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell encouraged those who do not have their prescribed medications to contact their medical provider.
If someone is experiencing difficulty breathing, Mitchell recommends reaching out immediately to a healthcare provider or the SHCC for guidance on next steps and appropriate care.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Garnet Fire is only at 12% containment and is continuing to grow. More information will be provided as flames persist.
