AIR QUALITY ADVISORY ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Division of Air Quality Wednesday May 21, 2014 UPDATED TO INCLUDE ANCHORAGE AREA LOCATION(S) IMPACTED: Smoke from the Tyonek fire is impacting the Anchorage bowl at this time. Smoke is especially dense on the hillside. Conditions on the hillside this morning vary from UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY. Other areas in the Anchorage bowl vary from GOOD to UNHEALHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. ADVISORY:. Smoke from the Tyonek fire on the north side of Cook Inlet is being blown across the Inlet towards Anchorage, Kenai, Nikiski, and Soldotna. Air Quality will vary between GOOD and UNHEALTHY. Be aware that areas immediately downwind of any fire will experience HAZARDOUS levels of smoke. Generally, worse conditions occur overnight and during the early morning hours, as the atmosphere cools and brings smoke to the surface. During the day, surface heating will mix smoke and carry it upwards, temporarily improving air quality. SMOKE AND PUBLIC IMPACT: This is an area forecast, and as such is a general forecast for portions of South Central Alaska. Smoke intensity will vary depending on precise location and local wind flow patterns. Smoke concentrations will be such that they could impact public health at times. It is advised that travelers check local weather as smoke conditions may vary considerably from one locality to the next. The most recent weather observations may be found on National Weather Service’s homepage at pafc.arh.noaa.gov/obs.php. In smoke impacted areas, DEC advises people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion.
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 16:12:06 +0000