Air quality in the Carson City area has been designated as "Very Unhealthy" according to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and is expected to remain this way over the weekend.
Air quality monitors in Gardnerville and Carson City indicated extremely elevated amounts of particulate matter in the air because of the wildfires burning in California, specifically the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park.
The levels of particulate matter equate to "very unhealthy" on the Air Quality Index level of health concern, state environmental officials report. The Air Quality Index is a data monitor for reporting daily air quality and what associated health may be attributed to the poor air.
In conditions that lead to a "very unhealthy" designation, all residents may begin to experience adverse health effects. Members of sensitive groups — young children, the elderly, people with asthma or other respiratory issues, may experience more serious affects. People should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outside and consult with their health care provided if needed.
Based on forecasts provided by the National Weather Service, Nevada environmental health officials expect these unhealthy conditions to remain in Carson City and Douglas County throughout the weekend.
See a Douglas County news release below.