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Crews Fire in Santa Clara County causes 'unhealthy' air quality across state
Sheyanne N Romero
Visalia Times-Delta
Smoke from the Crews Fire in Santa Clara County is currently impacting the central and southern portions of the San Joaquin Valley.
The blaze ignited around 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the area of Canada Road and Highway 152. The fire ripped through more than 5,400 acres and caused authorities to issue evacuation notices to nearby residents.
One structure was damaged and 30 structures are in danger of being scorched. As of Tuesday, the fire was 20% contained. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
"Firefighters worked through the evening strengthening control lines and mopping up," Cal Fire officials stated. "The fire had little forward progress last night however, gusty winds this afternoon will create the potential for significant runs. Firefighters will remain vigilant throughout the day to maintain control lines and control spotting."
Across the state, Cal Fire crews are battling 4,112 wildfires.
Smoke from several other wildfires across the state have the potential to affect air quality over the next few days.
On Monday, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued a health caution, which will remain in place until the fires are extinguished.
Valley skies remain hazy.
Local air pollution officials caution Valley residents to reduce exposure to the particulate matter (PM) emissions by staying inside.
Smoke from the Crews Fire is currently impacting Madera, Fresno and Kings counties. However, air pollution officials predict that the fire could impact the entire Valley including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Tulare and Kern counties.
"PM pollution can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke," stated district spokeswoman Cassandra Melching, in a Monday press release. "Individuals with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors' advice for dealing with episodes of PM exposure."
Anyone who suffers from existing respiratory conditions, including COVID-19, young children and the elderly, are especially vulnerable to the health effects of smoke pollution.
Anyone experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke should head indoors, to a filtered, air-conditioned environment with windows closed.
Residents can use the District's Real-time Air Advisory Network (RAAN) to track air quality at any Valley location by visiting myRAAN.com. If residents smell smoke or see falling ash, they should consider air quality "unhealthy," district officials said.
Sheyanne Romero covers Tulare County public safety, local government and business for the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @sheyanne_VTD. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.
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