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Wildfires and Air Quality

Information and Resources

In response to surrounding wildfires and blowing dust from windy conditions, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Alert in the eight-county region that includes San Joaquin County through Thursday night.

More information about the alert can be found on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control website.

Wildfires in California in recent years have increased in frequency and intensity. This is not the first time smoke from wildfires has caused health concerns from poor air quality in areas far away from the smoke's origin.

There are resources available for schools and the public to monitor conditions and guidelines about what to do. 

Air Quality

Smoke from wildfires increases the level of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air. Current and forecast air quality for the San Joaquin Valley Area can be found at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's Real Time Advisory Network and San Joaquin County Public Health Services.

Guidance for School Outdoor Activities

During a wildfire event, San Joaquin County Public Health Services recommend schools check the level of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air and do a visual inspection of the air outside before using a guidance chart to determine whether or how much outdoor activity should be limited.

Recommendations range from remaining active outdoors when the air is good, to keeping all students indoors during very unhealthy conditions.

View the chart by downloading the Public Health Guidance: School Outdoor Activities During Wildfire Events.

Other resources related to air quality and schools:

Posted: 10/28/2019