Smoky skies forces air quality alert to remain in effect for SLO County

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- An air quality alert remains in effect for all of San Luis Obispo County due to persistent smoky conditions.

The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District and San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department first issued the alert on Tuesday.

A thick layer of smoke colored a combination of orange and brown blanketed the county throughout the day.

The smell of smoke was also present in much of the county, especially in the northern region.

Smoke from fires in neighboring counties is causing poor air quality throughout San Luis Obispo County, particularly in the north.

The River Fire in Monterey County is particularly troublesome. So far, it has burned more than 10,000 acres of land south of Salinas and is only 7% contained.

The current air quality condition for the entire North County is officially listed as "unhealthy," due to an increase in particulate matter concentrations.

 The public is advised to consult their doctor if they experience health problems.

Air quality in San Luis Obispo, as well as the North Coast and the Five Cities, is also listed as unhealthy.

Further south in Nipomo, the air quality is listed as "moderate."

Very sensitive individuals such as infants, as well as children and adults with existing respiratory or heart conditions may experience adverse health effects. 

According to the Air Pollution Control District, the air quality alert will remain in effect until there is a significant reduction in smoke in the air.

Air District officials recommend that if you smell smoke or see ash, take precautions, and use common sense to reduce exposure to smoke. All adults and children should:

• Head indoors and remain indoors, if possible
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
• Close all windows and doors that lead outside to prevent bringing additional smoke inside

It is unknown how long the current unhealthy conditions will remain, but it could last several days.

To receive up-to-the-minute information on current air quality conditions, visit the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District website at slocleanair.org