July 30, 2024. Reno, Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health’s (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued a Stage 1 Emergency Episode due to smoke from the Park Fire in Northern California. The air quality index (AQI) for the Reno-Sparks Area is forecasted to be “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” to “Unhealthy” at times on Wednesday, July 31.
Smoke from the Park Fire is expected to begin impacting the Reno-Sparks area tonight into Wednesday morning and persist through Thursday morning. Smoke that travels to the area overnight should settle into the valleys and lead to elevated AQI. Wednesday shows limited mixing with low winds all day, allowing accumulated smoke to remain in the area.
To see current air quality in Reno-Sparks, click here. For information on AQI and descriptions of each AQI color, click here.
AQMD recommends residents Be Smoke Smart. Protect yourself and others through the following actions:
- Everyone should consider reducing any outdoor activity and stay indoors, especially those considered a sensitive group (children, elderly, and those with heart or lung disease)
- Make sure all windows and doors are closed
- Keep indoor air clean. Do not vacuum, light candles, fry food or smoke.
- Create a clean air room
- Check EPA’s Fire and Smoke map for an AQI nearest you
- Sign up for real-time Air Quality notifications on EnviroFlash
For more information on the NNPH’s Air Quality Management Division, visit OurCleanAir.com.
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Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.
Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.