Oak Fire affecting Nevada County air quality theunion.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theunion.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Air quality in Nevada County was classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups last week and remained so through the weekend, a move largely driven by wildfire smoke particulate, experts said.
On Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a level of 140 for Nevada and Placer counties considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the Northern Sierra Air Management District. Friday and Saturday the level reduced to 136 and then 126, still unhealthy for sensitive groups, and those with compromised immune systems.
An email alert issued Monday by the air quality management district in Grass Valley warned of prolonged and widespread smoke from a number of wildfires, but predominantly from the Dixie Fire. Poor air quality possibly attaining hazardous levels is expected to persist as long as the fires are active. Smoke will vary considerably depending on fire behavior and the weather.