Reno/Sparks, Nev. Sept. 9, 2021 – The Washoe County Health District has ended the Stage 2 Air Quality Emergency Episode issued on Friday, September 3. The air quality index (AQI) for the Reno-Sparks area has been and is expected to be “Good” to “Moderate” for all air pollutants.

The Stage 2 Emergency Episode was terminated because the 24-hour PM2.5 AQI has been and is expected to be below 100, and there are no other air quality emergency episodes at this time. The Dixie and Caldor Fires have been less active due to favorable weather conditions and the hard work of first responders. Occasional smoke impacts are expected, but not at Emergency Episode levels.

The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for Northern California and parts of Washoe County today and tomorrow. Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Please follow local fire restrictions. Check weather.gov/reno for updates and livingwithfire.com for preparedness tips.

During wildfires, the role of the AQMD is to provide the most current and accurate information and data possible so that the residents and businesses of Washoe County can make the best decisions possible regarding their health.

AQMD can issue a Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4 Emergency Episode with the Stage 4 being the most severe. More information on the stages can be found here. The Emergency Episode rule was recently revised and adopted by the District Board of Health on July 22, 2021. An air pollution Emergency Episode for Washoe County is not a state of emergency as issued by the Governor or President. The main purposes of an Emergency Episode are to notify the public of the air pollution levels, give recommendations to reduce exposure, and reduce or stop emissions from a local source if it is determined to be significantly contributing to the Emergency Episode.

Visit OurCleanAir.com for additional information on the Air Quality Management Division.

The Washoe County Health District 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 Washoe County District Board of Health. The District 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.