FRAZIER PARK, CA (Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 12:30 p.m.)—This press release was received by San Joaquin Valley Air pollution Control District:

A wildfire burning at the border of Kern and Ventura counties has prompted local air officials to issue a health cautionary statement for smoke impacts in the vicinity of Frazier Park in Kern County, including Lebec, Lake of the Woods and Pine Mountain Club.

Depending on wind patterns, smoke impacts may infiltrate the southern Valley part of Kern County over the weekend. The health caution is in place until the fire is extinguished.

Smoke from fires produces fine-particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause serious health problems including lung disease, asthma attacks and increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. Where conditions warrant, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions.

Residents can check the nearest air monitor to their location to determine localized air-quality conditions. Visit the Real-time Air Advisory Network page on the District’s website to subscribe for free: http://www.valleyair.org/Programs/RAAN/raan_landing.htm.

For more information, visit www.valleyair.org or call a District office in Fresno (559-230-6000), Modesto (209-557-6400) or Bakersfield (661-381-1809).

This is part of the May 10, 2013 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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