Air quality advisory issued for Yuba hills

For the second time in two weeks, Yuba County foothills residents are being advised to take precautions against smoke generated from a wildfire outside the county.

The Feather River Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality advisory notice for the foothills due to smoke generated from the Bassetts Fire east of Downieville in Sierra County. The advisory was issued for Thursday and today.

“We are lucky today because the wind wasn't high,” said Yachun Chow, air quality planner for the district. “We really don't want people to panic. But they should stay inside if there is discomfort in the eyes or sneezing when smelling smoke.

“Otherwise they don't have to worry,” she said.

Chow said smoke should not affect air quality at lower elevations in the valley.

The district last week issued air quality advisory warnings in the foothills for smoke generated from the Ralston Fire in Placer County.

This time, the advisory came as the size of the Bassetts Fire in the Tahoe National Forest increased slightly Thursday. Highway 49 was closed because of smoke and fire equipment.

Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and calm winds helped firefighters begin containment of the 1,504-acre wildfire.

The blaze was burning in heavy timber and steep terrain, and was threatening several cabins. About 200 firefighters had managed to contain 57 percent of the blaze.

“We have a pretty good perimeter around the fire,” U.S. Forest Service information officer Joanne Roubique said Thursday. “We made pretty good progress last night.”

WHAT TO DO DURING POOR AIR QUALITY

Until current conditions improve, Yuba foothills residents are advised to: