How is smoke from Park Fire affecting air quality in Northern California? See pollution levels

Smoke from California’s biggest wildfire this year could negatively affect air quality in parts of the state, experts warn.

In an X post, the National Weather Service said smoke and haze from the Park Fire burning near Chico will travel into portions of Northern California on Thursday night.

As of 6 p.m. Thursday, the Park Fire had burned more than 120,000 acres across Butte and Tehama counties and was 3% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The blaze sparked on Wednesday in Upper Bidwell Park on the outskirts of Chico. That’s a 16-mile drive from Paradise, which was destroyed by the 153,000-acre Camp Fire in 2018.

Here’s how air quality in the region is being impacted by the Park Fire:

How is smoke from Park Fire affecting air quality in Northern California?

According to an air quality forecast from AirNow, sunshine and smoke from regional wildfires enhance ozone development and production.

The result is worsened air quality across the Sacramento Valley.

As of Thursday, air pollution was at “moderate” levels — above an Air Quality Index value of 50 — in Sacramento, Oak Park, Roseville, West Sacramento, Redding, West Butte and Princeton, according to an online air quality map from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Pollution levels remained “good” near Davis, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael and Fair Oaks.

As of Thursday afternoon, air quality data was unavailable for places near North Highlands and Citrus Heights.

TODAY’S AIR QUALITY

This live-updating map shows the combined readings for particulate matter and ozone.

Which pollution levels are considered unhealthy?

“Moderate” AQI readings between 51 and 100 are considered “acceptable” but conditions could affect those extremely sensitive to ozone, according to an air quality guide created by the Environment Protection Agency.

AQI readings between 101 and 150 are considered “unhealthy” for sensitive groups including children, older adults and those with heart and lung conditions.

The Sacramento region was forecast to experience air quality levels of 55 AQI on Thursday, according to AirNow.

Friday’s air quality forecast calls for 46 AQI.

CALIFORNIA'S AIR QUALITY

This live-updating map shows the combined readings for particulate matter and ozone.

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