Overview
- AirNow/EPA readings exceeded 150 µg/m3 for PM2.5 near Portola and Plumas National Forest, meeting the unhealthy category.
- The alert asked residents in the affected northern areas to stay indoors, restrict outdoor exertion, and use N95 masks if they must go outside.
- Forecasts identified at least 11 Sacramento-area localities and 22 Los Angeles-area counties at moderate AQI, indicating wider regional impacts.
- California’s Department of Industrial Relations told employers to suspend or modify outdoor work when adequate protections cannot be provided.
- EPA guidance cites short-term respiratory and cardiac risks from PM2.5 and heightened susceptibility for children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung disease.