Smoke from fire near Tracy prompts health caution in Merced, Stanislaus

Local air officials have issued a health cautionary statement for Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties due to smoke being produced from a large biomass fire in Tracy.

The caution will stay in place until the fire is extinguished, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air District.

In the statement, the district explained that smoke from fires produce fine-particulate matter, which can cause serious health problems including lung disease, asthma attacks, and increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.

People with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure. Older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions.

Schools that can see or smell the smoke near campus should keep students inside per the outdoor activity guidelines for a Level 5, the district said.

Residents can check real time air data at www.valleyair.org/RAAN.

This story was originally published May 19, 2015 at 10:35 AM with the headline "Smoke from fire near Tracy prompts health caution in Merced, Stanislaus."