Willow fire prompts health caution in Merced
The Willow fire burning near Bass Lake in Madera County prompted air officials to issue a health warning in the eastern areas of Merced, Madera and Fresno counties.
The caution will be in place until the fire is extinguished, officials said. The fire has grown to more than 1,500 acres and was only 5 percent contained as of Monday.
Smoke from fires produces fine-particulate matter, which can cause serious health problems including lung disease, asthma attacks and increased risk of heart attacks and stroke, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District said in a news release.
Where conditions warrant, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctor’s instructions for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure, officials advised.
Older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure.
To see if the wildfire is impacting their area, residents can check the district’s wildfire page at www.valleyair.org/wildfires.htm.
This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 10:51 AM with the headline "Willow fire prompts health caution in Merced."